The Highlander June 2015

the

highlander Cub Edition

Volume LIX • Issue 7 • June 2015 • McLean High School thehighlandernews.com • @MHSHighlander

CONTENTS

8-9

16-19

NEWS 3 5 7

Nepali earthquakes Visiting artist Teacher of the Year: Chris Weise

FEATURES 8-9 10

Highlander of the Issue: Abby Reiman Beloved teacher departure

11 10 Qs with

Joe Dishun

28-29

A&E

IN-DEPTH

13

16-19

Summer movies 14 Local pizza reviews

15 Pitch

Perfect 2 review

Phones dominate student lives

OPINIONS 20 21 22

23 24-25 26

Problematic slang Academic rewards

SPORTS 27 Athlete of

28-29 School sports should count 30 for P.E. credits Satire: FCPS ruins budget

Crossfire: Do pep rallies raise spirit or deafen students?

Ban on ordering pizza disappoints

the Issue: Korey Blodgett Freshman athletes The Finish Line

Dear Highlanders, As the 2014-2015 school year comes to a close, we, the rising members of The Highlander staff, hope you have enjoyed this school year, and we are honored to be writing for you in this year’s Cub Edition, which is created by students in McLean’s Journalism 1 class.

Make sure to take a look at our Highlander of the Issue, featuring junior Abby Reiman and her impressive volunteer work with animals.

This issue’s In-Depth focuses on the role smartphones have in the lives of many individuals in this school and across the nation. It provides an interesting analysis of how student behavior has been affected by developing technology.

Also check out the Opinions section for The Highlander’s second satire of the year, featuring a humorous take on the FCPS budget crisis while bringing up a serious issue for Mclean students and teachers.

We welcome any feedback you wish to provide for us, and we have relished this opportunity to contribute to this wonderful publication. We hope you enjoy our work, and many of us look forward to writing for you in the years to come.

Sincerely,

highlander

the

Letter from the Editors

Volume LIX • Issue 7 • June 2015 • McLean High School thehighlandernews.com • @MHSHighlander

Cub Editors-in-Chief

Rustin Abedi & Helen Bloom

Cub Managing Editor

Sander Altman

Cub Design Editor

Bryan Chung

Photographers

Annie Lu & Ocie Houston

Copy Editors

Colin Edson & Henry Howe

Cub Section Editors Cub News Editors

Anjali Kumar & Ed Walters

Cub Opinions Editors

Haru Kato & John Roth

Cub Features Editor

Sander Altman

Cub A&E Editor

Ocie Houston

Cub Sports Editor

Jackson Payne

Cub Reporters Eva Bhandary Helen Bloom Rocio Espinoza Benavides Anurag Kandukuri Skyler Lange

Adviser

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Rustin Abedi, Sander Altman & Helen Bloom

Annie Lu Jay Miner Laura Musikanth Ali Tanju Braden Traw

Lindsay B. Benedict The Highlander is a public forum in which members of the school community can express themselves, discuss issues and exchange ideas. Printed by aPrintis.

Advertising Policy: The Highlander sells ad space on each page of the paper except on the front cover, Opinions section and InDepth report. The staff reserves the right to reject any ads it deems libelous, obscene, disruptive or otherwise inappropriate.

To Submit a Letter to the Editors: Please e-mail it to thehighlanderstaff@gmail.com or bring it to room R133.

The staff reserves the right to edit letters for grammar and clarity, and all letters are subject to laws concerning obscenity, libel, privacy and disruption of the school process.

‘12, ‘13, ‘14 NSPA First Class; ‘07 All-American; ‘06 Pacemaker Finalist; Hall of Fame

Cover photo illustration by Bryan Chung

‘05, ‘07, ‘12, ‘13, ‘14 CSPA Gold Medalist; ‘08 Silver Medalist

‘14 George H. Gallup Award

‘14 VHSL Trophy Class; ‘11, ‘12 1st Place Winner; VHSL Savedge Award

Earthquakes shake students

NEWS

Nepali earthquakes affect people on both sides of the world Some of the temples dated back to 1200 C.E. and were hile most people in the US were important in the sound asleep early Saturday everyday lives of the morning on April 25, the effects of tremors Nepali people. felt in Nepal, a small Asian country wedged “When I first between India and China, were felt by heard about it, I was McLean students with connections to the shocked because area.

I realized that all It was around noon in Nepal when an of our history had earthquake with a 7.8 magnitude on the been wiped out all Richter scale struck. The earthquake lasted in one day, and that about eight seconds. About half an hour all the places that I later, an aftershock with a magnitude of had visited were gone now,” said freshman 5.5 hit the country and caused most of the Krishma Poudel, who has family in Nepal. destruction.

Although the city suffered many “I found out at 6 in the morning, and my casualties and deaths, Ghimire and Poudel first thought was to check whether my close quickly learned that their family and friends and grandparents were okay,” junior friends were safe.

Smriti Ghimire said.

While their families were unharmed, Ghimire’s family’s house is located several rural areas were destroyed. The in the densely populated capital city of earthquake wiped out entire villages of up Kathmandu. Kathmandu was home to to 200 people due to landslides. seven World Heritage sites. Four out of the With bodies still trapped under rubble seven sites were either destroyed or heavily and monsoon season approaching, health damaged. concerns are on the rise. Cholera, a Students who were not directly affected waterborne illness, is quickly spreading by the earthquake said they still felt its across affected rural areas. Cholera causes devastation through the destruction of the dehydration and diarrhea, which is the temples and tourist sites of Kathmandu. leading cause of death among kids ages 1 to 5 in Nepal. While this illness can be flushed out with clean drinking water and medications, both are scarce among the affected areas.

Medical services have had a hard time reaching the rural areas as well. Hospitals in Kathmandu became overcrowded and so were forced to create makeshift tents outside. The death toll Homes destroyed—Homes such as the one pictured above were has risen to more than destroyed in the April 25 earthquake in Nepal. Police and other 8,000. forces have been keeping people away from unsafe areas.

Since the initial (Photo obtained from user DFID on Flickr under a Creative Commons license) earthquake, there Eva Bhandary Cub Reporter

W

have been more than 100 aftershocks with magnitudes ranging from 4.0 to 6.6 on the Richter scale. Many people said they chose to stay on open ground or in makeshift tents for days to protect themselves from the aftershocks.

“My 20-year-old sister slept in the car with her 20-day-old baby for two days because she was scared her house would collapse from the aftershocks,” Ghimire said.

According to the National Institutes of Health, the prime time for rescue is 72 hours after the initial disaster. Organizations such as the Red Cross, UNICEF and Global Giving were quick to respond, and their efforts were able to save many lives even after 72 hours passed.

On May 11, 15 days after the initial earthquake, the country was hit by another earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3. This earthquake was centered farther north of Kathmandu, but the tremors were felt throughout Nepal.

This earthquake brought down buildings that were already damaged by the original earthquake, includng two hospitals.

According to CNN, the country will need over $6 billion to rebuild everything destroyed by the earthquake. International orginazations as well as groups within Nepal are helping with relief efforts.

“McLean Highlanders could help by donating a dollar or just 50 cents, if they wish to,” Ghimire said. “Because a dollar could make a huge difference for those innocent victims.”

Page design by Eva Bhandary

NEWS

3

SENIOR EDITION

Tysons gets tiled

McLean students participate in a public art project to improve the Tysons area Jay Miner Cub Reporter ocal government and businesses have been striving to change Tysons from a congested strip of restaurants and car dealerships to a brighter, more connected community. Recently, the Arts Council of Fairfax County appointed artist Julia Vogl, who grew up around Tysons, to work on a project called “Tysons Tiles” with the goal of creating a stronger sense of unity in the area.

The project will incorporate the community by having 1,000 members of Fairfax County design a small part of the floor mural. The final mosaic-style design will be printed on slip-proof exterior grade surface vinyl that will temporarily stick to the pavement at its site in Greensboro Park.

“It’s exciting that there is an interest in defining [Tysons’] identity through this public art project,” photography teacher Kenneth George said.

McLean students in George’s third period class had the opportunity to participate in this unique project on May 18.

L

Pins with personality—Every project participant gets a personalized pin.

The patterns are determined by each person’s responses to a three-question multiple choice survey. (Photo by Jay Miner)

Tysons Tiles test—Students take a quiz to design their tiles. All the tile designs will be digitally recreated and used in a floor mural in Greensboro Park. (Photo by Jay Miner)

“We were given an iPad and had to answer three [multiple choice] questions to determine what our tile would look like,” junior Delaney Gallagher said.

Based on a person’s responses to these questions, they were provided with three patterned stickers to place on a pin with three different sections. Every participant’s design was recorded by the organization in a database, and the participants kept their pins. The designs of these McLean students and other members of the community will ultimately make up the Tysons Tiles floor mural.

During the week of May 18 to 24, Vogl toured the county with a trolley housing two iPads for people to fill out the survey as well as all the necessary supplies to create the pins. McLean High School was Vogl’s first destination. Students said they enjoyed comparing responses to the questions and designing their pins. “[Tysons Tiles is] a nice way to bridge something aesthetic and pretty with the gray, concrete environment of Tysons, and

also connect with the community,” George said.

On June 25, the final project will be unveiled at Greensboro Park, right behind the metro station. On that day, the tiles will also be displayed on a shuttle bus and even projected onto the sides of the Washington Real Estate Investment Trust building, with each person’s tile design on display for three minutes. The participants will receive an email stating the exact time their design will be projected.

“I will certainly go and try and find my tile,” Gallagher said.

Tysons Tiles is a temporary project, so it will be taken down on August 3.

With this project, Vogl hopes to impact the community that she grew up in while creating a stronger sense of community through public art.

Page design by Jay Miner

NEWS

5

Highlander Patrons As a student-run program, The Highlander would like to thank all of our generous supporters who make it possible to print our newsmagazine. Listed below are this year’s contributors. We would also like to thank all of our anonymous supporters.

GOLD ($200+)

BRONZE ($50+)

The Barnett Family Juliana O’Reilly Marc & Kay Menchel The Witchey Family

The Pincus Family The Walker Family Susie French Janet Rogers Tom Rapson Lisa Waldow Irwin & Irene Cyndee Lord Menchel If you would like to become a patron of The Highlander, please send a check to: The Highlander McLean High School 1633 Davidson Road McLean, VA 22101

Chris Weise wins Teacher of the Year McLean recognizes band teacher and kicks off Highlander Appreciation Week Annie Lu Cub Reporter

T

wo-year-old Jackson Weise shrieks and giggles, clutching a toy doll in his arms and weaving among the tables decked with white, red and silver balloons, oblivious to the honor his father has just received.

On May 18, band director Chris Weise was awarded the 2015 Teacher of the Year award.

Weise was chosen from a pool of nominated teachers, including John Behm, Deb Fargo, Cynthia Hawkins, Christina Hicks, Crissie Ricketts and Karen Wolpert, who were selected by a survey the PTSA sent to parents through a Keep In Touch newsletter. The Teacher of the Year was declared at a small ceremony held in the cafeteria after school. Many staff members, students and parents attended the event, as well as the nominated teachers.

A few school administrators and PTSA members read favorite parts from messages of gratitude students and parents wrote in appreciation for the teachers. After going down the list, the audience held their breath in anticipation as the large banner hiding the name of the Teacher of the Year in big red letters began to unfurl.

An uproar of applause and shouts sounded as Weise rose with his wife,

Raise the banner—Band director Chris Weise poses with his family as he receives the Teacher of the Year award on May18. (Photo by Annie Lu) ushering their young son and daughter to the front of the room for pictures. The momentary look of shock on Weise’s face turned into a soft smile as he was congratulated by friends, co-workers and students during the after-party.

“Some of the other people that were nominated were fantastic teachers and are friends of mine... Just to be included in that company of people was like I was winning already,” Weise said.

McLean’s hard-working band teacher

Crescendo—Chris Weise directs the concert band through their piece “The Great Locomotive Chase” on May 19. (Photo by Annie Lu)

NEWS

certainly deserves the title. Every day, Weise manages the 230 kids in band, including outside of school and over the summer, often staying up late nights. Unlike most other teachers, he has the opportunity to work with his students through all four years of their high school journey, watching them grow both musically and individually.

“He’s also a teacher that I, and a lot of other students, feel entirely comfortable chatting and asking for advice about just about anything,” senior Heather Pincus said.

Because of this unique experience, Weise shares a strong bond with his pupils, and in turn, creates a strong bond within the band community.

“Everything that we do keeps us close, like a family, in this program,” Weise said.

However, Weise said he could never accomplish this without a great support system. He thanks his wife for being there even when his job takes time away from his family, he thanks his assistant Deidra Denson for working with him through 10 years of teaching and lastly, he thanks the large staff behind the entire band program that makes everything function smoothly.

Towards the end of the Teacher of the Year celebration, one person walked up to Weise to ask if he’ll put the banner on his living room wall. He plans to hang it in the band room.

Page design by Annie Lu

7

FEATURES

HIGHLANDER OF THE ISSUE

Abby Reiman

Speaking up for nature’s creatures Sander Altman Cub Features/Managing Editor

8

W

ith animal abuse occurring in the food, clothing and pharmaceutical industries, as well as in households across the world, junior Abby Reiman has dedicated herself to improving the health and safety of animals and the environment.

JUNE

E

verybody who knows Reiman knows spends her free-time either at home, with area in which she believes many people can she is a huge animal enthusiast. She her four cats, two dogs, fish and iguana, or easily make a difference if they are simply spends her time volunteering for various at Mehr Brother’s Flowers, a flower nursery more informed. animal rescue foundations, taking care in McLean that houses many rescue According to a 2006 report by the Food of her animals at home and practicing animals, which Reiman said she helps tame & Agriculture Organization of the United veganism. Reiman said she has been eating and find adoptive homes.

Nations, livestock farms—the source of vegetarian since the day she was born and Reiman said that she finds her work with most meat and milk found in grocery has been interested in animals and animal animals not only brings her kinship with stores and restaurants—are the largest rights for as long as she can remember. She these animals, but also with other people. contributors to global warming worldwide. accredits her interest in animals largely to Senior Shari Doiron said she and Reiman With large-scale animal farms posing her family. formed their friendship through her work a threat to both the well-being of farm “Abby loved animals from an early age, with animals. animals and the environment, Reiman especially cats. When she was 13, she begged “[Abby and I had] been acquainted for strongly advocates for people to eat more us to let her go to this concert, The Warped a little while, but we got a lot closer when vegan or vegetarian meals or, at the very Tour. I was concerned, but then she told us she had a kitten named Wesley that she least, find “cruelty-free” versions of any she would be doing Vegan Outreach with was trying to urgently re-home,” Doiron meat or dairy products.

PETA,” Abby’s mom, Michelle Reiman, said. “I offered to foster him temporarily to Reiman said she plans to use her said. “The campaign was called ‘Animals keep him out of the shelter until she could experiences advocating for and taking Don’t Smoke.’ She learned how researchers find him a permanent home. After a couple care of animals to build towards a career forced rats and other innocent animals like months, my family fell in love with Wesley working at a wildlife rehabilitation center. dogs to smoke for 24/7 until they died. and we decided to adopt him ourselves. She specifically wants to work with large Out of her outrage and disbelief grew her She visits him every so often and I keep her cats, such as panthers and tigers. While she passion to help animals.” updated on how he’s doing.” has had no experience with these creatures Abby said she has also been inspired by While Reiman said she really enjoys thus far, she said she believes she would her aunt Tracy Reiman’s work with animals. direct interaction with animals, she also share an instant connection with them.

As executive vice president of People for spends a lot of time trying to bring awareness Reiman’s work with animals takes up all the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), to the general public on the issues regarding of her time, but it is completely worth it to Abby said her aunt has been a big role animal rights. She is constantly going to her—she said she believes it is her duty to model for her work. concerts and rallies to raise awareness on serve these animals.

“I think I’ve simply set an example for these issues, including domestic animal “My biggest motivation is that I need Abby to follow,” Tracy Reiman said. “I’ve abuse and abusive industrial practices. to serve as their voice,” Reiman said, “to worked for PETA and animal rights since As an outspoken vegan, livestock-based protect them and make the world better for long before she was born.” industries are a focus of Reiman’s and an them.”

Tracy Reiman said that while her niece has been interested in animals her entire life, her dedication became clear during her Bat Mitzvah.

“She gave an impassioned speech about animal rights.

It brought tears to my eyes,” she said.

Abby’s passion for animals has motivated her to work for several animal rights organizations, including volunteering at the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation and following her aunt’s lead by joining PETA’s youth Abby Reiman watches over the animals—In one of her many visits to Mehr Brother’s Flowers, advisory board. In Reiman protects a young chicken, while keeping her eye on the hungry-looking dog next addition, Abby said she to her.

FEATURES

Photos courtesy of Abby & Virginia Reiman Page design by Sander Altman

9

Beloved instructor bids farewell

FCPS budget issues cause English teacher Lori Wagoner to depart for North Carolina develop their own.

“Mrs. Wagoner is an amazing teacher ‘cause she makes you think outside of the box,” said freshman Sam Gollob, he departures of school instructors are a student in one of Wagoner’s English expected every year at McLean High 9 Honors classes who also works with School. Most are a result of retirements or her as a member of the varsity swim transfers due to their family’s life or their team and in student government. own convenience. Unfortunately, due to “She doesn’t impose her opinions on you— the worsening FCPS budget issues, some she tries to get you to think and view things teachers can no longer afford to live in the as more than you would normally think McLean area without pay raises. One of they are.” these people is English teacher, swim In order for a lot of team coach and Leadership instructor conversations to take place, Lori Wagoner.

Wagoner has to test the “It comes down to money. I just boundaries of how comfortable can’t afford to live here anymore,” her students are in discussing Wagoner said. “The daycare cost for sensitive topics. two kids for two years is going to cost “She’s not afraid to make $56,000, and that’s the cost of a college people uncomfortable. She tuition. When you factor in that and has so much confidence in the astronomical rate of rent around herself and her teaching, here, it doesn’t make financial sense. which she should, because she’s We can’t save anything… It’s really incredible,” Gollob said. stressful.”

Under Wagoner’s leadership, Wagoner said the lack of Terrific teacher—Lori Wagoner teaches a lesson in one of the swim team has had a compensation scares away good her English 9 Honors classes. She also teaches AP English teachers and puts Fairfax County’s Language and Composition and Leadership, in addition to successful two years. This year, coaching the swim team. (Photo by Annie Lu) multiple students made the academic standing at risk. trip to Nationals, and the team “I think [the Board of Supervisors] have their priorities mixed up. Teachers set Mrs. Wagoner apart from all the other earned respectable standings at the district are the ones who see students every day. teachers that I’ve had before,” Creeser said. and regional competitions. “[She] is an awesome swim coach,” We, the teachers, are the most directly “One is her complete and utter genuine connected to and tuned in to student need interest in all of us… And the other thing is Gollob said. “She’s really fun because she and student outcomes,” she said. “By failing her dedication not only to just the English recognizes that most of us [attend outside of school practices] as well and that [the to recognize all that [teachers] do, in the department, but to the entire school.”

Wagoner said she enjoys teaching McLean practices] should be about fun.” form of monetary compensation ... they are Wagoner’s departure is a shock for many doing a disservice to both the faculty and Leadership, especially because it allows students to take responsibility over who have gotten to know her over the years. the students.”

Wagoner’s students say she has had completing tasks that benefit the school, From her work as a teacher and coach, a profound impact on McLean by going instead of having the work being done Wagoner leaves behind an incredible legacy and many Highlanders will miss her. She beyond teaching students from a script in exclusively by the faculty.

“I like seeing kids get involved in their hopes that, despite her exit, everyone has both her freshmen and AP classes. She has taught at the school for the past 11 years. school and taking ownership of things that learned something about themselves on top Her regular class discussions about relevant affect everyone [at McLean],” she said. “I of the content she teaches.

“At the end of the day, I hope that people issues put students in situations where they love seeing them take pride in putting on can come out of an experience with me are out of their comfort zone. According to events that matter and make a difference.”

Having open classroom discussions saying that they learned something about junior Ryan Creeser, who has Wagoner for Leadership and AP English Language and results in students becoming more themselves and English, and that they have Composition, it is one of reasons he looks knowledgeable in not just their academic a better understanding of how to think and studies, but in real world issues that affect what to think,” Wagoner said. “I hope they forward to her class every day.

“Mrs. Wagoner is a great teacher; society. Rather than imposing her opinion remember me as someone who inspired she encourages open discussion in our on students, Wagoner lets her students confidence in their voice.”

Rustin Abedi Cub Editor-in-Chief

T

classroom, she really is interested in and wants to hear about her students’ opinions and really wants to broaden our horizons,” Creeser said. “She really knows what she’s doing and it’s terrible that she has to leave because she is, in my opinion, one of the best teachers in the school.”

Wagoner’s dedication to McLean is evident through the amount of work she puts in outside of being a teacher.

“In my mind there are two things that

Page design by Rustin Abedi

10

JUNE

1

Do you have any interesting hobbies?

Yeah, I have some. I do all kinds of different things. I guess probably fly fishing is what I do the most that is a hobby. I

spend a lot of time with my kids. Anything outside.

2

Why did you decide to become a science teacher?

I love science and love teaching. I like the logic and thinking in it.

3

What would you do if you won the lottery?

Buy a ranch in Montana or a beach house in the Outer Banks.

4

What is your favorite type

of student?

6 5 When

What part of I like all my

did you high school students. start playing did you hate the football? most?

I’d probably

I started playing in have to say

5th grade and I played defensive tackle. I played Algebra I. a lot of different positions [in high school]. I played offensive

line, defensive line and some

linebacker.

10 Qs w/ Mr. Joe Dishun

7

(Biology teacher & football coach) Bryan Chung Cub Design Editor

What was your favorite part of high school?

My favorite thing in high school life—football.

8

What are your summer vacation plans?

Camp, fish and work the weight room with the

football team.

9

What would be the one word that best describes you?

Happy.

10

Who is your favoirte superhero?

Oh my. I would have to say Batman.

Photos & page design by Bryan Chung

Summer movie preview A look at the films hitting theaters this season Rocio Espinoza Cub Reporter

W

ith only a couple weeks left until summer vacation, students can finally relax and get their minds off of

homework, exams and SOLs. For many Highlanders, this relaxation might entail going to the movie theater with friends. In order to avoid paying $13 just to be disappointed, here is a list of promising movies that are coming out in

Insidious: Chapter 3 – June 5

The prequel of one of the most famous horror sagas is finally coming, promising to be the most terrifying out of the three.

“A lot of people are talking about it, so it must be good,”

June and July.

Film studies teacher John Behm is less enthusiastic about the summer options, but he weighed in on our top picks.

junior Josh Delgado said.

Indeed, this movie has been one of the most talked about lately, and we are hoping that it will show us a scary good time.

Behm’s opinion: “If you saw 1 and 2, and you liked them, go.”

Which movies are students most excited to see?

Ted 2 Paper Towns

Focus Features

Jurassic World – June 12

Twenty-two years after the release of Jurassic Park, Jurassic World comes to remind us that movies about dinosaurs never get old. Directed by Colin Trevorrow and produced by Steven Spielberg, this movie’s trailer sets high expectations

Minions

for movie-goers everywhere, and features insanely realistic graphics.

“Jurassic Park was a hit,” sophomore Bono Yoon said.

“This should be one, too.”

Behm’s opinion: “Dinosaurs are extinct—let it go.”

Magic Mike XXL Inside Out Legendary Pictures

Paper Towns – July 24

Following the huge success of The Fault In Our Stars, John Green is set to bring another of his famous books, Paper Towns, to the big screen.

“I think it will be exciting,” freshman Fawaz Alhumoudi said.

Paper Towns shows the

romantic and mysterious adventure of Quentin Jacobsen (Nat Wolff), who has always been in love with his neighbor, Margo Roth Spiegelman (Cara Delevigne), as he goes on a trip to find her when she goes missing.

Behm’s opinion: “Get ready for a model performance.”

Insidious: Chapter 3 Jurassic World = 4 Highlanders

Temple Hill Productions

Page design by Rocio Espinoza

A&E

13

McLean delivers quality pizza

Find the best pizzeria in McLean Ed Walters & John Roth Cub News Editor & Cub Opinions Editor

Pulcinella

D

$9 for medium base pizza $14 for large base pizza

rive through the heart of McLean and there’s no shortage of pizza. From tasty to terrible, dozens of pizzerias line the streets, ready to take their next orders. Use this guide to find the perfect place. At each location, we ordered a base cheese or pepperoni pizza.

Pizzameter Discrusting

Doughriffic

McLean Pizza

1434 Center St., McLean $12.45 for medium base pizza $13.45 for large base pizza

McLean Pizza is a quintessential family pizzeria. With great service and location, this restaurant is one of the most popular in McLean. The restaurant has a number of seating options and parking is relatively hassle-free. Their pizza is fairly middle of the line, since the cheese is a little too dense, and the prices are very high.

However, with quick service and reliable food, McLean Pizza is one of the safest options in town.

6852 Old Dominion Dr., McLean As a main staple pizzeria of McLean, Pulcinella has been giving customers a piece of Italian culture since 1985. The atmosphere is warm and cozy, giving off an authentic Italian vibe. The service, however, is nothing special, but don’t let this deter you from enjoying the great food and even better prices. The combination of what is undoubtedly the best crust with a base that is not too shabby itself culminates in the moust delicious pizza in the area.

Rocco’s

1357 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean $11.99 for medium base pizza $14.25 for large base pizza

Rocco’s wins the award for being the longest standing Italian pizzeria in McLean, but it comes nowhere close to winning for the best pizza. With muggy air and long wait times, Rocco’s was the worst place we visited by a long shot. If you are in search of a deep dish pizza, sadly, this is your best (and only) non-chain option. The pizza was overcooked and the sauce tasted as if it were out of a can.

Red Tomato

Santini’s

$11.99 for medium base pizza $12.99 for large base pizza

$9.95 for medium base pizza $13.95 for large base pizza

1327 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean As one of the lesser-known pizzerias around, Red Tomato exceeded our expectations.

The atmosphere is similar to a New York-style pizza joint.

Although the resturant has a calm atmosphere, the seating can get cramped at times making it uncomfortable for groups.

With their modest prices and classic small town ambiance, Red Tomato establishes itself as one of the finest pizza venues in McLean.

1443 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean Although it is a new addition to the ever-growing pizza community in McLean, Santini’s has proved itself to be among the best in taste and ambiance. While parking can be a hassle, it’s still a convenient location for students who can walk there from school. If you are in search of an authentic New York-style pizza, Santini’s is the best in the area—the combination of the thin crust with flavorful cheese creates one of the best pizzas in the area at an affordable price.

Photos & page design by Ed Walters & John Roth

14

JUNE

The Bellas are back, pitches Pitch Perfect 2 marks the epic return of America’s favorite a capella group

Hannah Menchel Editor-in-Chief he Barden Bellas are back in the muchanticipated sequel to the smash hit, Pitch Perfect. The film, directed by Elizabeth Banks, picks up three years after the end of the first movie, with Beca Mitchell (Anna Kendrick) now a senior at Barden University and head of the most popular a capella group on campus, the Bellas. Chloe Beale (Brittany Snow) is also still there, having purposely failed her classes every year so that she does not have to leave the group.

The film opens with the Bellas singing for President Obama, when Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) accidentally exposes herself to everyone in an unfortunate incident involving her being suspended in the air.

The Bellas are banned from collegiate competition, but they make a deal to be reinstated if they win the World Competition and beat their biggest competition, the haughty German group Das Sound Machine.

Simply put, the film lived up to its hype.

The songs were better, and the production was bigger. In the first film, many of the

T

Bellas’ performances consisted of them singing “Turn the Beat Around,” “Eternal Flame” and “The Sign,” which quickly got boring. In this film, all the performances are exciting and different, and there was even original music in the form of “Flashlight,” an awesome addition that was written by Sia and Sam Smith.

The budget for this film certainly seemed to be more impresive; the sets were nicer, especially for the performances at the World Competition in Copenhagen. There were also some awesome cameos, including an amazing scene with Snoop Dogg.

The jokes this time around were a mixed bag. Some were undoubtedly funnier than the first, while others failed to land—there was even a long-running joke about one of the character’s Hispanic background that could be viewed as offensive and was definitely uncomfortable.

There are some ways that the first film overshadows the sequel; the riff-off in Pitch Perfect 2 is not as good as the one in the first movie, and, disappointingly, Jesse Swanson (Skylar Astin) is not nearly as present. The film also tends to get side-tracked quite a bit. It would feel like a stronger and more

cohesive movie if it did not have quite so many sub-plots and change focus quite so frequently.

Overall, Pitch Perfect 2 was by no means a perfect film or sequel, but it certainly warrants a trip to the theater, if only for the exceptional performances throughout.

Universal Pictures

Pitch Perfect 2 Fast Facts Rating: PG-13 Genre: Comedy, Music Director: Elizabeth Banks Starring: Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld, Skylar Astin, Adam DeVine, Brittany Snow Runtime: 115 minutes Universal Pictures

Page design by Hannah Menchel

A&E

15

PHONES DOMINATE STUDENT LIVES Students lose focus due to smartphone addictions

Photo illustration by Rustin Abedi

Phones first!—Freshman Irissa Maneechai checks her cell phone during class. Many students find themselves incapable of resisting the temptation of technology.

(Photo by Annie Lu)

Rustin Abedi Cub Editor-in-Chief ddiction is characterized by a physical or psychological dependency on an object or completing an action. Most students would associate addiction with drug or alcohol abuse, even though the most addicting item in their lives may be in their pockets.

For many, avoiding the use of their phone for more than a class period would be extremely difficult. In this modern age, the use of technology has become a normal part of everyday life, especially for high school students who have grown up alongside the evolution of electronics.

Due to the increase in the usage of technology in daily life, students are becoming addicted to their smartphones, distracting them from school and extracurricular activities. According to a survey conducted by Georgia College, people between 8 and 18 years of age spend an average of 10 hours and 45 minutes a day online. This excessive use of smartphones and other Internet-connected devices keeps students from using their time for extracurricular activities, academic responsibilities and in-person social interactions.

Smartphone addiction is becoming a common problem among teenagers. In

A

IN-DEPTH

a 2013 study from the European Journal of Scientific Research, 60 percent of teens admitted they are highly addicted to their smartphone, 65 percent said they have used their smartphone while socializing with others and 34 percent said they have used their smartphone during mealtimes.

This evidence illustrates teens’ attachment to their devices, and it suggests that even basic daily activities such as meals or social situations do not interfere with the constant need for connection.

“I try not to use my phone while eating or engaging in conversation, but sometimes it happens and it can be really distracting from the conversation,” freshman Yasmin Berrada said.

Technology addiction is fueled by social networking. Social media can be used as a way to measure how individuals stack up to one another with the number of followers, likes, favorites, etc. they receive. Because these social networks are easily accessible, teens are constantly aware of how they match up with other students, and some even spend hours creating the perfect post in order to get the most likes. A lot of time that could have been used for productive reasons is wasted due to their desire for approval from their peers. The advent of social media and its widespread use has caused teenagers to become obsessed with

their image online. This obsession leads some students to buy followers or likes on online social platforms.

“I think [buying followers] is pretty stupid because it’s not about [the number of] followers,” freshman Zeeshan Khaliq said. “People just buy [followers] to look cool.”

Sites to buy followers, such as Instabuyagram.com, state that the purpose of buying followers is for businesses who need more credibility among customers, not for teenagers who want to appear popular.

The heavy concern teens have for their online image acts as a reinforcing factor for their previously established addictions to technology. The desire to belong drives the ever-looming obsession with social media.

“I think that [peer acceptance] could be [the reason why people buy followers],” Khaliq said.

While the number of likes a post gets can cause anxiety, so does the stress of interacting with people primarily through technology. This generation expects quick action, so being ignored over social media can cause a high level of concern.

“It depends on what the text is about, but sometimes it can be hurtful,” sophomore Rachel Weatherby said.

17

In this age of instant gratification and short attention spans, the act of having to wait for a response can be nearly as agonizing as it might be for a drug addict having to wait for their next fix. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain, is associated with feelings of pleasure, and according to behavioral psychologist and writer for Psychology Today Susan Weinschenk, more brain activity involving that substance takes place when people are anticipating an outcome, such as a notification on a mobile device. This excessive brain activity correlation with technology does not end

individuals to deal with the distraction of smartphones.

“I don’t text much—I’m just on my phone on social media all the time,” junior Esther Kim said while scrolling through Tumblr.

Some of the reasons behind teenagers’ frequent phone use can be found with their parents’ rules. For example, some families might not have a problem dealing with their kids using their phones at the table.

In turn, those same individuals use their phones whenever they can at school, even if the time and location are inappropriate,

their property, not that of the teachers, and their children also have to display control if they want to meet the expectations that either their teachers or parents have set.

Technology defenders say there have always been distractions for humans, ranging from looking out the window in class to reading newspapers. Individuals have always dealt with distractions, but everyone learns that they have to complete a task eventually, whether they want to or not. However, due to a smartphone’s portability and access to multiple avenues of entertainment, anything can be done on

“When you talk about social media, we are not social any longer, face-to-face. I think we are losing the art of communication face-to-face. [The students] are not interacting with each other because of whatever is on their phone.”

-Spanish teacher Linda Schultz

since smartphones usually are within reach.

A study sponsored by the Telefonica Research team in Madrid found that participants between 24 and 43 years old received an average of 63.5 notifications per day, including alerts from text messages, emails, social networks and other applications.

As for teenagers, 25 percent of them check social media 10 or more times a day, according to the Georgia College study.

This means that along with checking daily notifications, some teenagers are using their phones for entertainment purposes.

Most of the notifications come during school hours, and although people try to ignore them, it is very difficult for some

because their parents do not place any limits. “[Discipline] starts with the parents,” said Linda Schultz, a Spanish teacher at McLean High School for the past 25 years.

“There are no parameters to it… When you talk about social media, we are not social any longer, face-to-face. I think we are losing the art of communication faceto-face. [Students] are not interacting with one another because of whatever is on their phone.”

Discipline can be instilled among students by teachers, but without parents setting boundaries, very little will change in regards to mobile device habits. Parents have the responsibility since the phones are

92%

of teens report going online daily.

a phone. “[Before smartphones], a book was just a book,” Schultz said.

Despite its consequences, technology has made the lives of people, particularly students, much easier due to greater accessibility of resources as well as faster communication with family and friends.

However, it is clear that most of the time students spend on phones in school is more about entertainment.

“Students don’t understand that phones should only be used in school as a learning tool, not to get on Snapchat or anything else that wastes their time,” Schultz said.

f

71% 52% 41%

Percentage of teens between the ages of 13 to 17 who use these social media outlets 01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

0

Facts obtained via Pew Research Center’s Teens Relationships Survey

18

JUNE

“Some students will play on their phones all class, and they are the ones that are doing poorly.

It’s almost like separating the wheat from the chaff, similar to evolution. If you aren’t paying attention to everything that’s going on, you are going to be the gazelle at the end of a pack behind everybody, and that’s the first one the lion’s gonna get.”

-Physics teacher Dean Howarth

Dean Howarth, a physics teacher who has taught at McLean for more than 27 years, takes a more optimistic approach towards technology’s potential, although he said that its possible benefits have yet to play out. The main issue Howarth worries about is the speed at which this change is coming about.

“My concern is that it is so much, so fast that it’s rather hard for society to adjust, but that has happened many times in the past… it’s going on now,” Howarth said.

Howarth does not have any restrictions on mobile device use in his classes outside of tests and quizzes. This puts a lot of responsibility on students. He believes that if students want to play on their phones, they will have to deal with the consequence of falling behind in the class. As a result, productive students use their phones as a tool to augment their learning. Howarth said that individuals dealing with a potential distraction and tool can be compared to evolution, and he thinks that people will eventually adapt to deal with technology while meeting other priorities. “[The availability of phones] makes the students who know how to use a tool for a purpose be more effective, save time and expand new horizons. For the students who only know how to use [their phones] as a means of entertainment, they have just wasted time being entertained,” Howarth said. “It’s about how to deal with distraction in your life. That’s a very positive characteristic… I think [smartphones] will help accelerate people having to adapt.”

Not using technology can be seen as taking away from having fun at the moment for students, but having smartphones is a test of how students respond to the tasks

they have to complete with distractions available to them.

“Some students will play on their phones all class, and they are the ones that are doing poorly. It’s almost like separating the wheat from the chaff, similar to evolution. If you aren’t paying attention to everything that’s going on, you are going to be the gazelle at the end of a pack behind everybody, and that’s the first one the lion’s gonna get,” Howarth said.

Dealing with a distraction is important in learning consequences. Failing a test as a result of using a phone in class, checking social media or texting others is a result of not taking action by working.

With every new development, there is a learning curve.

People will stumble and hopefully learn to use their devices in a more productive way.

Distracted—Freshman Havi Carillo-Klein checks her phone during her English class. Social media and games act as common distractors . (Photo by Annie Lu)

Page design by Bryan Chung

IN-DEPTH

19

OPINIONS

Problematic nature of slang ignored

Offensive roots of slang overlooked in daily usage Helen Bloom Anjali Kumar Cub Editor-in-Chief Cub News Editor hen a slang term becomes popular, the meaning behind that word can become a blur. Racist and homophobic terminology comes up in everyday conversations, but most people do not understand the extent of what these words mean. What may be a joke to some is hurtful and degrading to others.

Know that this is not an attack on the character of those who use these words. It is simply an alert to users of these words of how hurtful they have the potential to be to targeted minorities. As damaging as these words can be to the self-confidence of minority groups, they are very easy to erase from one’s vocabulary, and the decision to stop using them is a clear sign of respect and kindness to minority groups.

The N-word: This word is distinguished from other derogatory terms because of its historical significance. Regardless of a person’s intention, this word has been shown to be incredibly hurtful to African-Americans. “[Derogatory terms for white people] don’t have meaning—they’re just insults.

When a white person hears them, they can just brush them off. When [a black person] hears the n-word, it’s not something they can just brush off,” sophomore Gigi Iyob said.

Its common usage by a group of people who originally used it to dehumanize black people belittles the historical significance of the word.

W

29.6% 95.1% 20

of respondents use the N-word every day claim to know what the N-word means

Ghetto: This term is used as a synonym of someone or something looking worn down or broken. However, the word was originally used to describe and/or characterize lowincome neighborhoods mainly populated by minority groups. This term is used frequently at McLean by students not aware that the term reinforces a link between minority groups and the broken or poor aspects of our society.

Ratchet: A synonym for the term “ghetto,” this word is also used to characterize a worn down or ugly appearance. This word was originally used to describe black women from low-income neighborhoods who exemplify certain physical and personal characteristics. “[People] will say, ‘Oh, that’s really trashy, oh, that’s so ratchet’ ... and it’s disgusting.

I don’t know why [trashy behavior and objects] are always associated with [black people],” Iyob said.

Jungle fever: The term is thrown around as a way to describe the desire for African-Americans as potential partners. Given its implied link between black people and primates, the racist term reinforces the idea that black people are less than human.

Go back to [your country]: This phrase implies that anyone of a skin color other than white does not belong or deserve to live in this country. When it comes down to it, no one wants to feel like they do not belong.

Terrorist: Although used to characterize people

28.4% 62%

with a violent agenda against a certain country, the term was assigned a different meaning by many US citizens after the Al-Qaeda attacks on the World Trade Center. Now, the term is used by some as a generalization for all peoples of Middle Eastern descent, implying that everyone from that region has an agenda against the US and its government. Furthermore, this term is a manifestation of the incredible hostility placed towards Middle Eastern peoples that arose following 9/11.

FOB (“Fresh off the boat”): Used in reference towards those of Eastern and Central Asian descent, the term implies Asians do not truly belong in the region they reside in. It assumes they have just moved to the region from a different country, rather than having generations of family members that have lived in the area.

That’s so gay: By equating a term used to describe one’s sexuality with something weird or ridiculous, this phrase reinforces the general feeling of unrest surrounding the LGBTQ+ community.

F*g or f*ggot: A homophobic slur used to describe something perceived as “gay.” The word “f*ggot” is clearly meant as a slur to categorize homosexuality as “socially unacceptable.”

Exotic: “Exotic” is usually a word to describe something uncommon, yet its root association with the words foreign, strange and unfamiliar reinforces the already present feeling of disdain towards nonWestern cultures and peoples.

of respondents use “f*g” every day

50.6% ofuserespondents “ratchet”

hear “f*g” at least once a week

66.7%

every day

hear “ratchet” used at least once a week.

Survey of 81 McLean students Page design by Anjali Kumar & Helen Bloom

JUNE

Students with good test scores deserve rewards High achievers should receive prizes for hard work Anurag Kandukuri Cub Reporter ho would not want some prizes for their hard work? The answer is no one—no one wants to go unappreciated for their work. But sadly, students at McLean do not receive the rewards they deserve.

Several high schools across the country have started to offer monetary awards to students who get a three or higher on Advanced Placement exams. The teachers of those students also receive a cash reward.

McLean should also adopt a policy to recognize students for their achievements.

Students who put diligent effort into their work deserve prizes or special privileges.

If McLean started giving rewards like these, there would also be a number of academic benefits.

Stu d e nt s’ test scores would go up, because offering prizes would

W

motivate them to improve their grades.

“If you’re offering a student like $100 if he or she gets an A on a test, that will definitely get the students’ attention,” freshman Eric Menchaca said.

With a reason to study besides educational benefits, students would be motivated to work harder and get better grades. When people have a goal to achieve,

“The best thing to give as a prize is time...[to] students who did really well or were going faster than the class.

Giving them time to explore math or whatever else on their own.”

-Math teacher Jake Farmer

they tend to work harder and concentrate more on what they are doing.

In Chicago, the Paper Project offers high achieving freshmen and sophomores in 25 high schools $800 in reward money per year. Some very successful students receive almost $2,000.

DC’s Capital Gains is another program that offers monetary rewards to middle school students for attendance, behavior and academic success.

Even if the school does not have enough funds to provide students with cash rewards, there are many different ways to recognize success. Alternatives to cash rewards could be prizes such as food, gift cards, gadgets or time to further their learning in a class.

“The best thing to give as a prize is time... [to] students who did really well or were going faster Hard work leads to success—With motivation, students can study than the class,” math hard and get good grades. Prizes like candy could be a form of motivation. (Photo Illustration by Anurag Kandukuri)

teacher Jake Farmer said. “Giving them time to explore math or whatever else on their own.”

Farmer also said that students should feel proud of their accomplishments without additional incentives.

“Pride, knowing that you tried your best,” he said, “that should be a reward in itself.”

Although pride is important, receiving a reward from someone else helps students see that other people appreciate their work.

Academic rewards are not only an incentive to work harder but they also provide an introduction to real life work.

People work in jobs to provide for their health, home and all other aspects of life. The possibility for rewards creates competition to receive them, something else people face in the real world.

Some might say that competition is unfair because students should get everything equally. However, while equality is necessary to some extent, people cannot expect to receive the same rewards and treatment without earning them, especially in the real world. The people who do the most work and study more have higher chances of succeeding, and so should have higher chances of being rewarded.

“No matter what the reward is, whether it’s money or candy or spare time, the kids who [already] do it for nothing, the kids who do it for no reward, are the same kids who will try harder to earn the reward,” Farmer said.

Some people just seem to study and excel more than others. That depends on the student and how much he or she tries to succeed.

Students with good test grades deserve rewards for all their hard work. Their efforts should earn them prizes and privileges.

This issue needs to be discussed with the principal and teachers.

People say that no good deed goes unnoticed. If that is true, then students who work hard should be recognized.

Page design by Anurag Kandukuri

OPINIONS

21

P.E. credit weighs heaviest on student athletes McLean athletes should be exempt from P.E. requirement Ali Tanju Cub Reporter t McLean High School, it is mandatory for students to take two years of P.E. in order to graduate, but, with an increasing number of students playing sports for the school, the effort students put into participating in P.E. has decreased. Given how much time and effort student athetes put towards playing sports for the school, participation in after-school sports should fulfill their physical education credit.

P.E. class is about trying to get students to exercise outside of school, and it teaches cooperation, teamwork and athletic skills.

However, students who are active athletes are already learning these things. Because they have practice five to six days a week for at least an hour, these athletes know what it is like to be a part of a team.

Students choose to sign up for afterschool sports, which are extracurricular activities. They dedicate themselves, put in effort to improve and work on a consistent schedule. In comparison, the P.E. curriculum is laid out in a relatively irregular pattern; some days, students remain inactive for three-quarters of the class, while other days students must push themselves relentlessly for fitness tests.

A problem that non-athletes face in P.E. is the advantage that student athletes have in taking fitness tests. Given the physical abilities athletes have been able to establish and develop while playing sports for the school, it is likely that they will score higher on fitness tests. ‘’People [are] more insecure during [P.E] standardized testing if they [don’t] do a sport,’’ said freshman Hannah Gold, who witnesses the issue firsthand.

Changing the policy would also help student athletes with time management.

Not allowing athletes to skip P.E. puts these students at a competitive disadvantage academically. If athletes were able to switch out of a traditional P.E. class, they would have an extra class period for study hall or another elective. Given how much time student athletes spend practicing each week, this added study hall would allow

A

22

them to stay on top of their homework and manage the other stresses that come with school. ‘‘Don’t get me wrong, I am a competitive person and won’t slack off during gym, but I’d rather have a free period of another elective or study hall,’’ freshman swimmer Anno Kong said.

Especially during the height of a sports season, practices and games are intense, usually consuming weeknights and weekends and filling up a student’s busy schedule. ‘‘For dance, I have several practices a week where we are pushed to the limit,” freshman Dylan Laufman said. “And when we travel to other places to compete, homework from my classes and work we get in gym [class] are the last things on my mind.”

Competitive athletes have also expressed concern over taking P.E. because they say they fear over-training. Several athletes get injuries during P.E.—Laufman said she has sustained many that have stopped her from being able to perform in competitions.

Sports that are not funded by the school, such as hockey and crew, should also count for P.E. credits because participants are paying extra money to be a part of a team and represent the school. Additionally, the non-school-funded sports are just as time-consuming and difficult physically as school-funded sports, as both involve long and intense workouts. ‘‘Varsity sports are incredibly rigorous, and with all respect to the Health and P.E

departments, I think that we already satisfy what physical requirements are met during gym class,” girls lacrosse coach Jennifer Stark Beasley said. ‘‘I wouldn’t want my athletes to miss anything that is taught in the classroom that isn’t taught on the field, but if our physical training on the field is like what they do during P.E., it seems a bit repetitive.’’

However, some coaches say they are against the idea of participation in afterschool sports fulfilling the mandatory P.E. credit. ‘‘Though it’s great that students are working out six days a week [in] rigorous practice, I still believe that the students should do P.E because what [they] learn [in class] is more diverse, and athletes that do one sport ... only work one group of muscles,” freshman basketball coach Brad Hohenberger said. “In gym, we do many sports that are more diverse and work all kinds of muscles in the body.”

Even so, 80 percent of student athletes think otherwise. They agree that they already have enough going on in both their school and sports lives, and the P.E. requirement is just another thing they have to deal with.

The P.E. requirement ignores the efforts of student athletes. These individuals, who already engage in consistent practices and trainings, should have the right to participate in additional exercise in whatever way they choose.

Page design by Ali Tanju

JUNE

School board meets to further destroy the budget

SATIRE

Sparks fly as board members deliberate unique solutions Braden Traw Cub Reporter

O

ngoing budget problems concern teachers and helicopter parents across Fairfax County, leading the school board to form a mighty council capable of brainstorming creative solutions.

All kinds of people presented ideas and complaints: teachers, students, board members, business owners, professional gardeners, that weird aunt you don’t like talking about; anyone and everyone important showed up at this meeting. The first idea was presented by Ray Stemohney, CEO of Extra Fabulous School Spirit Fundraising, Inc., which has hosted all sorts of events for McLean and other schools to raise money for extracurriculars.

“We’ve done mattress sales, but who gives a mulch about mattresses? We have to take it to the next level: selling rare and exotic pets,” Stemohney said. “Although most of the animals in our stock are technically illegal to own, I’m sure we can convince the board to let it slide for a good cause. It’ll be a really great fundraising opportunity. After all, what well-off McLean kid doesn’t want a pet toucan or kinkajou?”

Inspired by Stemohney’s creativity, board member Rue N. Debudgitt stepped up to the podium to promote his new “Rides to Riches” plan, which involves busing band kids from FCPS schools into DC to perform on the street in order to raise money for the county.

“I mean, who even cares about the arts anyway?” Debudgitt said.

“It’s time these freeloading students finally brought something to the table.”

When asked what they thought about this idea, some band members strongly approved.

“I think it’s a great idea,” junior Matt Evanko said. “Going to DC to perform on the street will give me the skills I need after I graduate when I become a real street performer.”

The next ideas were proposed by various corporate representatives, including a

popular idea from a representative of Arby’s. In exchange for funding, Arby’s would replace all school lunches with curly fries and Beef ’N Cheddars™.

“I’m kind of indifferent in this matter,” junior Mason Pratt said. “It’s just a choice between eating corporate cardboard or school cardboard. Plus I’m pretty sure that Arby’s is healthier.”

Other ideas were tossed around, but they were quickly discarded. The one that met the most disdain of the school board was a proposal of a meals tax.

“The idea is just stupid,” board member Moe Ronn said. “Taxes are stupid and so is whoever proposed this stupid idea.”

An idea that did gain a lot of support was selling Virginia Lottery tickets in schools.

“I love the idea,” junior Khaled Soubra said. “Getting students hooked on gambling is a surefire way to raise money for the county.”

As ideas and possible solutions continue to circulate, it becomes increasingly clear that the school board does not care. They will continue to disregard the wellbeing of teachers and students and continue to benefit themselves.

Courses and jobs will be slashed, and the education system will suffer. In the end, hashtags and social media movements cannot trump bureaucracy. But it’ll be alright. Students feeling down can always treat themselves to a Beef ’N Cheddar™. Arby’s: It’s Good Mood Food™.

Tune up!—Senior Adam Benmhend gets ready for FCPS’ new “Rides to Riches” program. Students in marching band will ride to DC to play music like these street performers in order to raise money for the county. (Photo by Braden Traw) Page design by Braden Traw

OPINIONS

23

CROSSFIRE:

Pep rallies unite the school Colin Edson Cub Copy Editor

N

o other school event is quite like a pep rally. Although they only occur three times a year, they are filled with unparalleled enthusiasm. Pep rallies bring the school together by getting the students excited for big upcoming athletic events, and they are full of exciting games that create a gym full of unbelievable energy.

“The school justs gets so hyped and it justs gets everybody pumped for the games,” freshman Andre Iosso said.

The whole point of the pep rally is to get students ready for games or even the upcoming season. Pep rallies are organized by the Leadership class, which contains sophomores, juniors and seniors who plan a number of school activities. The activities they organize are typically quite amusing.

The pep rallies are always unique and are the only time students can see teachers stuff their faces in a pie looking for a piece of gum.

Students in Leadership also get the school loud and enthusiastic at pep rallies, like when the school flag comes around the gym to see which class is the loudest.

“I definitely go to the games when there is a pep rally,” freshman Aidan DeHan said.

“I mean, why wouldn’t you?”

Many students are more inclined to go to the upcoming games if a pep rally is held to promote it. For example, after the Homecoming pep rally, the stands were completely full. With everybody shoulder-to-shoulder in the bleachers, the teams playing are almost destined to win their games, just like they did at the Homecoming game against Fairfax this

24

year. The students in the bleachers acted as the 12th man for the football team, probably due to the momentum created by the pep rally.

Pep rallies also unify the school. The bond between teachers and students are enhanced during the pep rallies, where teachers are embarrassed by participating in the activities planned by the Leadership class. It really helps the students to get to see the not-so-serious side of their teachers.

Sometimes pep rallies do seem to get very loud because of the music and screaming from all the students. However, they are loud for a reason.

Playing loud music is what gets people going and gets the adrenaline rushing. This is the foundation of what makes people excited during the pep rally. If the music were played quietly, it would not raise peoples’ spirits, nor would it get them pumped for the big games.

If anything, pep rallies should occur more often. The school needs students to show their spirit and support for their school teams. Pep rallies encourage student athletes to perform their best.

The incredible energy that pep rallies create also helps to show what being part of a high school is really all about. It is

a great opportunity for students to relieve stress and show off their school spirit.

Although pep rallies are a rare occasion, occurring just three times a year, they are usually a hit for students and staff alike, and they are important to keeping the student body engaged in school sports and school spirit.

bbb boys Dance team —During the p saw the Senior Boys Dance Team highly entertaining to some, but Dance team —During the pep rally the Senior Boys Dance Team perf

JUNE

Is there a point to pep rallies?

Pep rallies waste time Henry Howe Cub Copy Editor

class, but not a very effective break. Pep rallies are overly loud. The first of the two he pep rally is the quintessential pep rallies on April 24 was comparatively pointless high school experience. It quieter compared to other ones I have wastes time, which could be better spent in attended. However, the decibel level was Highlander Time or at least not drastically about 82 to 84 decibels (according to data shortening our ear cells’ lifespan by from a decibel measuring app called Sound listening to half of the school yelling for no Meter). Pep rallies are mandatory, so people apparent reason. who don’t want to go are forced to suffer Pep rallies do provide a break during through them. Many are left perturbed as a result.

Furthermore, pep rallies create ambient noise that can cause stress and aggravate stressrelated conditions, according to an article in Scientific American.

We should instead dedicate this time to an additional Highlander Time, which is an infinitely better break because they are usually quieter and a more conducive environment for hanging out with friends or doing homework. “[Pep rallies are] way too loud,” junior Allen Hertz said.

“Are they trying to start a rave or something?”

It can be argued that pep rallies bring the school together, but yelling at each other for 15 minutes and then watching people dance and do other ridiculous the pep rally on April 24, students things for the remainder of the Team perform. Their dance was half-hour fails to unite the school. , but maybe not to all. (PSenior boys Some people think the rally on April 24, students saw current pep rally structure m perform. Their dance was —During highly a pep rally on April 24, does not promote bringing Just dance the school together. the Senior Boys Dance Team performs. The “Because we have split group danced to crowd favorites and received pep rallies now, pep rallies favorable reactions...but not from everyone.

T

don’t achieve the goal of bringing the school together,” French teacher Michael Click said.

The current split schedule also occupies an entire seventh period class, which can be detrimental for many students and teachers.

Seventh period classes require all the time they can muster, since they are the shortest period of the day and are often cut for delays and early releases. In my experience, many seventh period classes do not engage in learning or classroom activities when there is a pep rally. This wastes time which could be better spent learning material.

It can also be argued that pep rallies gain support for the sports team. That may be true for a few people, but for others, sitting through a pep rally does not make them any more interested in the teams.

“I don’t go to any of these games,” Hertz said.

In a poll of 75 McLean students, 27 had a negative opinion of pep rallies, compared to 23 students who had a positive opinion and 25 students who were neutral about them. Since slightly over two-thirds of those surveyed either had a negative or neutral view of pep rallies, the argument that they bring the school together or bring support for a team does not hold water. Pep rallies do not elicit much of a reaction from the student body, and they cause feelings of disdain and dislike for many of the students who were surveyed.

People should talk to the administration to either have the split pep rally schedule removed, replace them with Highlander Time or make them non-mandatory.

(Photo by Colin Edson)

Page design by Colin Edson & Henry Howe

OPINIONS

25

The Domino’s effect

Block on Domino’s places further limitations on students’ rights Laura Musikanth Cub Reporter

A

ll day students are sitting down, focused and hard at work. When the lunch bell rings, it’s finally their time. Their time to work, talk to friends and eat—but what if the cafeteria doesn’t offer the food students want?

The simple alternative used to be seeking food elsewhere, and students usually chose the popular pizza chain, Domino’s. It was a quick, simple solution that allowed students variation without leaving campus.

Now, this harmless solution to less-thanfavorable cafeteria food is prohibited by the administration, who had head of security Buddy Sekely call every Domino’s franchise within delivery range and tell them not to deliver to the school during school hours.

Prohibiting Highlanders from ordering outside food is predominately a response to the passing of the Healthy Hunger Free-Kids Act, passed in 2010.

This act is also responsible for the lowcalorie snacks and diet sodas in our vending machine.

Passed by Barack Obama, the act prohibits the cafeteria from bringing public vendors into the lunchroom, while also banning bake sales and fundraising such as the field hockey team’s lollipop sale. The law was passed in response to the increase in childhood obesity in the US. Virginia’s obesity rate ranks 23rd in the country, with about 29.8 percent of children from ages 10-17 considered overweight.

However, the number of obese children has remained consistent for the past four years, not impacted by the act’s efforts to provide healthier options in school cafeterias. According to Marketplace.org, many schools have chosen to ignore the act’s regulations, fearing heathier options would impact cafeteria income.

Many students order pizza simply because the cafeteria food is deemed undesirable due to its flat taste and assumed shortcuts in ingredients.

“It’s disgusting; I don’t know where it comes from,” junior Haneen Abdelhalim

said. “I used to order pizza like three times a month, [but now] I just bring some stuff or order actual food from the snack line.”

While the taste of the food may be awful, freshman Zoe Goldberg is more bothered by the limits an administrative ban on ordering pizza places on student freedom.

“I think that it is unfair that they are stopping us from ordering food, when we all know the cafeteria food is gross,” Goldberg said.

Sekeley and other security officers have expressed concern for the safety of students who order pizza, saying they may be putting themselves at risk by meeting up with strangers just to get access to takeout food during school hours.

“Recently there has been an uptick in deliveries, and we can’t have students meeting delivery guys in the parking lot,” Sekely said.

Yet, if ordering food were so unsafe, it would never be an option for people, both at home and at school.

So why does the administration insist on further limiting student freedom, especially given how flawed and ineffective the Healthy Hunger Free-Kids Act has proven to be? The focus should be on teaching proper nurtition and creating healthy options for students to choose from, rather than limiting the few rights we already have as students.

We students should have more freedom, especially in terms of the food we choose to eat. We should continue to challenge this unreasonable and flawed policy.

Photo obtained via The Pizza Review on Flickr under a Creative Commons license Page design by Jake Barnett

26

JUNE

SPORTS

Athlete of the Issue

Korey Blodgett

Jake Barnett Sports Editor How do you balance soccer and track during the spring?

Doing both soccer and track can be pretty difficult. I try my best to go to all soccer practices and then go to track immediately afterwards, although sometimes I can only squeeze in half of track practice because I show up late. Luckily, both of my coaches are really understanding and have supported me a lot this season.

What is the most challenging part of being a two-sport athlete?

The most challenging part has to be the continuous levels of fatigue, not only physical, but mental too. Knowing that you might not have a day off from physical activity for three more weeks can take its toll. However, I would still recommend being a multi-sport athlete, the sense of community you get from the different teams is something that is hard to replicate and something I know I will always love.

What motivates you to continue playing both sports?

My main motivation for doing both sports is simply because I love them.

SPORTS

I’ve run cross country and winter track every year since being a freshman but have always played soccer in the spring. This year I realized that I’ve made some great friends on track and even though running is excruciatingly painful, I wasn’t ready to give up on my friends and wanted to spend as much time with them as possible.

Do you plan on playing sports in college?

What role have sports played in your high school experience?

I really want to play club soccer in college, and even though I don’t plan on joining a club track team, I do want to continue running.

However, I [plan to] ... run like we do in cross country [when I am in college]—going through trails on long runs rather than worrying about my 400 splits around the track. I’ve been able to meet so many people through different sports, I feel like I know a majority of all of the cross country and soccer players who were seniors during my freshman year all the way through the freshmen during my senior year. Sports have given me a sense of pride about going to McLean.

You know that you are representing your school, and not too many feelings can top that.

Photo courtesy of Ed Lull

What is your best memory from playing sports in high school?

I will always remember a lot of the notable wins and races, mainly the ones against Langley or in the regional championships in track. However, I think the best memories come from outside of the sporting events themselves, whether it was Froyo Fridays with my track friends or having unlimited pizza at a soccer team dinner the night before a game.

How do track and soccer complement each other? Do you feel that running track makes you a better soccer player, or vice versa?

Even though both sports involve a lot of running, they consist of different types of fitness. In soccer, you could sprint all out for eight seconds and then jog around for a minute. But you have to be expected to sprint as fast in the 80th minute as you do in the first, so you have to keep your stamina up too. In track, I typically run the 800, so I have to be able to go all out for just over two minutes, even if it can be the most painful two minutes ever. Most workouts translate pretty well between the sports, but no track coach is going to tell a distance runner to run three suicides, and no soccer coach has ever told me to run hill repeats as punishment.

Photo & page design by Jake Barnett

27

FRESHMAN SPORTS STARS

The future is now for six of McLean’s promising young athletes Jackson Payne & Haru Kato Cub Sports Editor & Cub Opinions Editor

W

hile freshmen are often not a major presence in the hallways, the case is much different on the sports field. The class of 2018 is loaded with athletic talent that is sure to bring glory to McLean for years to come, and featured here are some of the upand-coming freshman athletes who have already found success in the beginning of their promising high school careers. Here is what they have to say:

Cate Pearce

Varsity Girls Lacrosse - Defender

“Transitioning to [McLean], where everyone’s nice, wasn’t hard at all... The best part about being on the team is feeling like I’m part of a family; all the team bonding stuff… makes us really comfortable, and everyone is really nice.”

Photo courtesy of the Pearce family

Chris Schram

Varsity Boys Soccer - Midfielder

“This year I just want to help the starters get better and put in my best effort when I’m on the field... I feel like we can be a strong team this year, but only if we put in the effort.”

Photo by Haru Kato

Rachel Remer S -O

Varsity

oftball

utfielder

“I played McLean Little League before McLean [High School]. Varsity is very different, and I had to train a lot harder to make varsity, but I’m proud that I did. My favorite part is just being with the team and playing together.”

Photo courtesy of Holley Remer

28

JUNE

Grant Williams V B -C arsity

aseball

atcher

“I’m very thankful that I was pulled up to play for varsity this year for the post-season games, and I would like to thank my teammates and coaches for encouraging me and helping me become a better player overall... Playing in high school helped me adapt to different levels of players and how to work with them.”

Photo courtesy the Williams family

Mia Barringer G S -F

Varsity

irls occer

orward

“It’s been a great season, and we’ve been very successful and had a great team atmosphere... I had the pleasure of getting to know so many talented older teammates, and it’s been great to learn from all of them.”

Photo courtesy of Erickson Photography

Max Brooks JV B L -G oys acrosse

oalie

“We were 7-3, but our losses were all hard-fought battles... For the future I think we need to continue the chemistry we had as a team all season to continue our success.”

Photo courtesy of the Brooks family

TEAM Boys Lacrosse Girls Lacrosse Baseball Softball Boys Soccer Girls Soccer

RECORD* 14-2 8-3 14-6 21-1 5-8-1 14-0-2

VARSITY SPRING SPORTS WRAP-UP CONFERENCE RECORD* 8-0 4-3 6-1 13-0 3-3 5-0-1

CONFERENCE PLAYOFF SEED 1 3 1 1 8 1 *As of May 21

Page design by Jackson Payne & Mark Mizusawa

SPORTS

29

THE FINISH LINE

Alex Pierce Track Freshman

Helen Pelak Tennis Sophomore

Taz Ridgely Soccer Junior

Jackie Sherman Lacrosse Senior

What aspects of summer are All the free time and you looking no school forward to?

Extra time without stress and no homework

My trip to Iceland

Sleeping in and tanning

How do you plan to keep in shape during the summer?

Cross country

Playing a lot [of tennis] and going to the gym to stay in shape

Working with a personal trainer at Sport and Health

Going to the gym

How many selfies do you take a week?

Maybe one

What is your “Why so serious?” favorite movie -The Joker, The Dark quote?

Knight

Who is your dream prom date?

Michelle Obama

.....is that a question? Selfies? I average 100

“Hakuna matata” -Pumba, The Lion King

“You merely adopted the dark, I was born in it, molded by it” -Bane, The Dark Knight Rises

Chris Pine

Hannah Smith

Too many to count

“The last melon” -the Dodos, Ice Age

Dylan O’Brien

Photos by Tanya Ajalli Page design by Jake Barnett

30

JUNE

Flip to the other side and check out work from our senior Highlander reporters in our annual Senior Edition!

Flip to the other side and check out work from our rising Highlander reporters in the Cub Edition!

Class of 2015 college commits Seniors take athletics to the next level Jessica Bulford Sports Editor

LACROSSE

JORDAN COLE West Point Defense 6 years

SAM DELANO

College of Wooster Defense 5 years

ALEX MORRIS

Ohio State University Midfield 15 years

JUSTIN GIBBONS CHARLIE KILEY ELISE KOEHL University of Michigan Midfield 11 years

KYLE PAUL

Drexel University Midfield 5 years

Guilford College attack/Midfield 6 years

University of Louisville Midfield 9 years

MICHAEL DOLAN Merchant Maritime Academy Goalie 8 years

SOCCER

CLARE BEAHN University of Pittsburgh Midfield/Defense 13 years

28

DESMOND CURRAN

Vassar College Defense 13 years

AUDREY FREEMAN

KATIE HORENSTEIN

Washington University Christopher Newport of St. Louis University Defense Defense 14 years 15 years

CAROLINE MEIER Swarthmore College Midfield/Forward 14 years

JUNE

FOOTBALL

CHRIS MERRILL Bluefield College Running back/ Defensive back 10 years

CHEER

JACK SAUNDERS Arizona State University Backspot 2 years

CREW

ELLIE BREWER

MIT 2 seat & stroke seat 2 years

DAVID RUSSELL LAUREN WILSON

Naval Academy 6 seat in 8, 2 seat in 4 4 years

University of Miami 4 seat 4 years

TRACK & FIELD/CROSS COUNTRY

MATT BURKE

Christopher Newport University 800, 1600, 3200, 5k 2 years

JAMES CARVER Virginia Tech High Jump 2 years

BASEBALL

ROSE CASTLE

Northeastern University Long, triple and High Jump 1 year

BASKETBALL

KELLY OLER

James Madison University 100, 200, 400, 4x400 meter relay 8 years

SWIM & DIVE

CAROLINE McCLEARY

Tulane University 1m and 3m 4 years

CHARLES GROPPE

Swarthmore College Pitcher 13 years

FRANK MINAMINO

Trinity University Pitcher & Outfield 7 years

JACK FERGUSON Salisbury University Shooting Guard 11 years

*This list does not include students walking on or community college commits

SENIOR EDITION

CHRISTINE McCULLA

Coast Guard Academy 100 freestyle, 200 freestyle and200 butterfly 13 years

Photos by James Carver Page design by Jessica Bulford

29

Five college tips to ponder Advice for the college experience Christine Cheon & Young In Seo Online News Editor & Reporter

Keep an open mind Most of the time, people go to college with high expectations that end up falling short. Everyone who goes through college will have a unique experience, so don’t compare yours to others. Take every opportunity you get. College and career specialist Dawn Allison recommends taking the opportunity to study abroad, just one of the many college experiences that await.

“College is amazing—I love the opportunities I’ve gotten [but I] don’t [think you should] compare your experience to others’ or think about “what could have been” [because] that will just... leave you disappointed, even if you are having the time of your life,” 2014 McLean graduate and current University of British Columbia student Ben Felstein said.

College isn’t just fun and games While college offers more freedom, the probability of high school problems like getting behind on work arising in college is high. It’s still important to turn in assignments on time and pay attention to the syllabi that professors give out within the first week of the semester.

Keep in mind that you have the power to keep yourself on track—with great power comes great responsibility. Invest your time wisely in college; it’ll pay off in the future.

Build a good study routine in high school

Procrastinating in high school has a yo-yo effect: it may not seem like a problem now, but it will definitely hurt you later. It’s the same thing in college, but 10 times worse, because professors aren’t as lenient.

“It will be a harsh awakening in college when the end of the semester comes around and all of your projects are due and exam week is coming up and you haven’t even started on your work because you were watching funny cat videos on Youtube, rather than studying,” 2014 McLean graduate and current NOVA student Sonia Deana said.

Get involved socially

It’s easy to get caught up in academics, but it’s important to also participate in social events.

Take the opportunity to meet new people during freshman orientation. You could learn a lot from them and have your mind opened up to new schools of thought. By having an active social life, you’ll get a fuller experience and have a sense of belonging.

“I think the most important thing is [to] not be afraid to extend your hand and say hi,” counselor Deborah You said. “It’s [important] to introduce yourself and expand your network from that.”

Focus on yourself

1st 3rd

2nd

As competition in college becomes tougher, it can be difficult not to compare yourself to others.

Remember that college is a place for you to grow and learn. Utilize the talents and skills you have to your advantage and work to your strengths. “[College] is [about] more than just your GPA, as you’ll see when you go—there are opportunities at every corner to widen your view of the world and grow as a person,” Felstein said.

Graphics by Young In Seo Page design by Christine Cheon & Young In Seo

SENIOR EDITION

27

Trimming tassel toppers

Grads get creative with graduation caps for convocation Jennifer Wang Reporter

W

ith graduation and convocation fast approaching, seniors look forward to finally adding some creative style to their cap and gown look. Here’s a glimpse of creative ways to decorate graduation caps from past grads.

“I remember seeing the caps of my graduating friends; some of them were cute with stuffed plushies or informative with their school name; some were clever like my nerd friend who had “Intel inside” on his cap to insinuate his brain was an OP CPU. It made me inspired to think of a unique decoration for my own cap.”

“I chose to put Mickey Mouse ears on my cap because I’m a huge Disney fan. Throughout my years at McLean a ton of people became aware of my Disney obsession so it was something I identified with.

The ears added a little bit more to just what school I would be attending. I think adding something unique to yourself is a great way to finish off your grad cap decoration.”

—Lilia Souri, 2014 graduate Keep in mind graduation cap decor is exclusively for convocation!

—Shalandra Rivera, senior

“It’s a way to make the sea of people at [convocation] a little more personal.”

“It’s a really creative way to show everyone where you’re going to college or what you’ll be doing after you graduate, but also it’s just a fun thing to do. Some people are really creative with the grad decor. It just sucks we can’t keep it on for the actual graduation.”

—Flavia Rossell, 2014 graduate

—Abby Huston, senior Photos courtesy of Lilia Souri Page design by Jennifer Wang

26

JUNE

Seniors share advice

Words of wisdom for underclassmen Andrew Opem & Mike Davis News Editor & Reporter

“Take advantage of all of the awesome opportunities at McLean, whether they are sports games or events like McDance-A-Thon because high school flies by and those chances will be gone before you know it.”

-Arjan Peters

“Get involved in everything you might want to do. I didn’t know what shot put and discus were until late in my freshman year and now it’s my passion. You never know what you might enjoy.”

-Matt Ohlson

“Don’t live for the weekend or you’ll miss everything in between. While planning for the future is important, so is experiencing and making the most of the moment you are in.

Before you know it high school will be over and that way you’ll have great memories to look back on instead of regrets to endure.”

-Shari Doiron

“When I was entering high school, a lot of people told me to find out what my interests were. But what I think is underemphasized is figuring out what you hate. My advice to a freshman would be to do something you will dread doing.

Through my own personal experiences, I’ve learned that it can be just as fulfilling and revealing as doing something aligned with your interests.”

-Niel Ketkar

“The best thing you can do is take challenging classes that you are interested in.

We are fortunate to have a lot of AP classes that we don’t pay for. Take the great opportunity to potentially get college credit so that colleges see that you are thinking seriously about your future.”

-Adair Maynard

Page design & photos by Andrew Opem & Mike Davis

SENIOR EDITION

25

Oh, snap!

I lied, I didn’t delete the picture...

James Carver Photographer

... but I bet you’re glad I didn’t delete these!

Photos & page design by James Carver

SENIOR EDITION

23

do this. d l u o c I w e I kn With the Right Support, Anything’s Possible.

At Georgetown Learning Centers, we know no two students think alike. That’s why our tutoring and test prep programs are structured to give our students the individualized attention they need. Whether it’s help studying for a math test or preparing for the SATs, our expert instructors are armed with clear explanations and tips to get students organized, prepared and on track to do their best— right when they need it.

Special Offer:

$25

for First Academic Tutoring Session*

We’ve Got You Covered: ALGEBRA

GEOMETRY

CALCULUS

CHEMISTRY

PHYSICS

BIOLOGY

HISTORY

SPANISH

FRENCH

ENGLISH

SAT I & II

ACT

*mention this ad

Visit www.glclearn.com to find out more about our programs.

McLean Center 1483 Chain Bridge Road, #203 McLean, VA 22101 (703) 288-2808

Great Falls Center 756 Walker Rd, 2nd Floor Great Falls, VA 22066 (703) 759-3624

Four years in the making Seniors exit McLean as entirely different people Connor Koch Reporter

Cameron & David Kenworthy

David: “You can catch flies with honey, but you can catch more honeys being fly.”

Cameron: “I loved running the McLean Make Your Day* account this year.”

Rachel West

“Does this mean I looked bad freshman year?”

*The Highlander has it on definitive authority that Cameron Kenworthy does not and has never run McLean Make Your Day.

Ellie Brewer

“Don’t believe all of the blonde jokes you hear.”

SENIOR EDITION

Alexandros Giagtzis

“Finally, I am a beautiful butterfly.”

21

Website:

Saying goodbye to teachers

Some of McLean’s instructors plan to retire from teaching this year How long have you been teaching ?

Horan: 34 years, but only seven years at McLean.

Johnson: Between long-term substituting and teaching, I have been teaching for four and a half years, three of them here at McLean Pratuch: 20 years, but seven of them have been at McLean.

What classes have you taught?

What do you plan to do after retirement?

Horan: Do some reading, do some writing.

Johnson: I am leaving teaching, but my dream job is to be dean of students at a university, so I plan to transition into a university until I can reach higher education.

Pratuch: Digital photography.

English Teacher

What was the biggest change during your career?

Horan: I have taught regular, honors and AP English, Church History, Introduction to Philosophy, British History and I think that’s it.

Johnson: AP World, World History 1 and 2, US History, AP and regular Econ and Online AP Econ.

Pratuch: All levels of physics and chemistry and IB Theory of Knowledge.

Horan: Students became less responsible, not due to the students so much as the systems becoming more protective and less demanding.

Johnson: Students’ reliance on social media.

Pratuch: The growth of electronic devices. It has been both helpful and hindering.

What is your favorite thing about teaching?

Any advice for future teachers?

Horan: There’s so many, but I was really lucky to have a bunch of lovely students. I have never been in a school with truly unpleasant students.

Johnson: The students—they are the sun of my universe and the light of my day. The reason I get excited to come to work every day is because of the students.

Pratuch: The students.

John Horan

Jen Johnson

AP Economics Teacher

Horan: If you don’t find it pleasant, get out. You’re not doing it for the big bucks.

Johnson: Be patient and remember why you are a teacher.

Because if you do not remember every day that the reason you are here is for the students, it is very discouraging to be a teacher these days.

Pratuch: Best wishes, and if you don’t like it, get out.

Tom Pratuch Physics Teacher

Page design & photos by Lila Duvall & Brooke Lyons

SENIOR EDITION

19

Seniors choose non-traditional paths Colorado, United States of America Matt Ruffner is excited to be taking a gap year before embarking on his college degree at the University of Wisconsin. He will be moving to Colorado to explore the area and work in different fields, such as the national parks.

“I just wanted to be different from everyone else,” Ruffner said. “Colorado has everything I want. It’s got a lot of good things going for it.”

Ruffner originally got the idea from his

father, who took a similar gap year after high school.

“My dad did it for himself, so he told me what to expect,” Ruffner said. “My mom was supportive as well. She is all for it.”

While Ruffner has already carved out the rough details of his trip, a lot of his plans are still up in the air.

“I will be moving around a lot,” Ruffner said.

“I expect the unexpected.”

Adapting to Colorado will be the most difficult part of the gap year experience for Ruffner. However, he is excited about the journey ahead.

“It’s going to be a different experience,” Ruffner said.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Shari Doiron will be taking a gap year in Abu Dhabi. After her father received a job offer to work in the UAE, Doiron looked at her options and decided to move with him. In September of her year off, she will be begin taking an extensive French course at Sorbonne University, which has a branch in Abu Dhabi.

Doiron’s main reason for taking this gap year is because she is not

sure about what academic field she wants to pursue in the future.

“Instead of wasting 30-40 grand at a bigname college trying to figure that out, I figured [I would] take a year, maybe audit some classes, enjoy the culture and work on my French,” Doiron said.

One of her main concerns about moving there is the sociocultural difference between the

UAE and the US. “[Abu Dhabi’s] culture is a lot more conservative,” Doiron said. “The overall cultural difference between men and women, for example, is a lot bigger than it is in the US. We complain a lot about the difference between men and women here, but it is a lot worse over there. Knowing myself and my strong views on that subject, I am not sure how it’s going to go.”

Haifa, Israel Nadia Karimian will be taking a gap year to participate in service activities in Haifa, Israel.

She will be working independently, rather than traveling with an organization.

“I’m going to be working in an archives office. I think I’ll be working with some older historical facts,” Karimian said. “Besides that, I’m not a hundred percent sure until I go there.”

She started to consider taking a gap year during her early years of high school.

“I decided my sophomore year because I

think it’s important to do service and further people,” Karimian said. “I’ve known people who have done [service trips] and they told me to do it after high school because it’s just better to do it sooner. This is like the last time where you don’t have as many responsibilities.”

A year away from home will naturally pose a challenge to Karimian.

“Last summer, I traveled for six weeks. You miss the place where you are every day. You miss the really tiny things. You miss the American

food. You miss the people. You miss the stuff you do,” Karimian said. “But, I also think there’s a lot of stuff [in Haifa] that is rewarding that I’d like to do that I don’t have the opportunities to do here.

Although there will be challenges, Karimian is looking forward to the year ahead.

“I think giving up a year is a lot, but it’s definitely worth it,” Karimian said.

Dakar, Senegal Next year, Dana Mulligan will be living with a host family and attending a local high school as a US youth ambassador in Dakar, Senegal.

Mulligan will be going to Senegal with the Kennedy-Lugar YES Abroad program, which was created after 9/11 to foster relationships between the US and countries with significant Muslim populations. YES Abroad is a full scholarship sponsored by the US Department of State that sends 65 American students to 11

different countries every year.

“Senegal was my first choice because the school there focuses on environmental science,” Mulligan said. “I hope to work with sustainable agriculture in Africa in the future, and I wanted to be somewhere as different from America as possible. I just got lucky that they decided to place me there.”

In order to not limit herself in experiencing the full culture, Mulligan has decided to make a

major change in her lifestyle next year.

“I’ve been vegetarian since I was 10 years old, so I’m coming up on eight years of not eating meat and it has never been my intention to start again,” Mulligan said. “However, I’ve decided to eat meat in Senegal, so I can get the full exchange food experience and not be a burden on my host family.”

Despite the challenges, Mulligan is looking forward to the experience.

Page design by Julia Al-Akkad & Katie McGinn

18

JUNE

Univ. of Delaware Einar Bohlin

IOWA

Emory Univ.

Rachel West Jung Hyun Won Univ. of Georgia Madeline Witchey Georgia Institute of Technology Marie Baranoski Brian Kalish Ethan Spessert Sanjana Sridhar

Univ. of Iowa Greg Hardison

Brigham Young Univ.-Hawaii Thomas Richards

ILLINOIS

Columbia College Chicago Leo Grandinetti DePaul Univ.

Ben French Jay Miner

KENTUCKY

Eastern Kentucky Univ.

Mitchell Mahoney Univ. of Kentucky Roshan Jude Univ. of Louisville Elise Koehl

Johns Hopkins Univ.

Angel Delgado Univ. of Maryland, College Park Arda Arslan Hwang Lee Kiwon Park Salisbury Univ.

John Ferguson United States Naval Academy Brian Maffei David Russell United States Naval Academy Preparatory School Mackenzie Baer

MISSOURI

Washington Univ. in St. Louis Audrey Freeman

MASSACHUSETTS

MARYLAND

INDIANA Indiana Univ., Bloomington Sander Altman Samantha Brooks Univ. of Notre Dame Juan Baus Purdue Univ.

Sandy Cho Cameron Hudson

LOUISIANA

MISSISSIPPI Univ. of Mississippi Meg Degrafft

Colorado College William Stockton

FLORIDA

Barry Univ.

Jose Lopez Univ. of Florida Madison Schuman Florida Gulf Coast Univ.

Kathleen Mahoney Nicholas Osborne Florida State Univ.

Kyle Edwards Univ. of Miami Matthew Spahr Lauren Wilson New College of Florida Carly Richardson

Univ. of Maine Madeline Dorr

Tulane Univ.

Caroline McCleary

Boston Conservatory Lily Lord Boston Univ.

Bryce Ashton Emerson College Camille Calderon MIT Elizabeth Brewer Kyubin Lee Massachusetts MaritimeAcademy Michael Dolan Northeastern Univ.

Rose Castle Emma Paquette Tufts Univ.

Emily Karl

COLORADO

MAINE

DELAWARE

HAWAII

GEORGIA

Master’s College and Seminary Matthew Clark Univ. of California, Berkeley Hal Clark Hoyun Kim Univ. of California, Santa Cruz Connor Koch Univ. of San Francisco Natalie Marciel Univ. of Southern California Andrew Opem

MINNESOTA MICHIGAN

ALABAMA

Arizona State Univ.

Cassandra Enriquez Jack Saunders

CONNECTICUT Univ. of Hartford Aaliyah Booker Coast Guard Academy Christine McCulla Wesleyan Univ.

Heather Pincus

CALIFORNIA

ARIZONA

Univ. of Alabama Alexandra Bryson

Univ. of Michigan Kevin Butler Justin Gibbons Alexander Meikle

Macalester College Katherine Jolly Univ. of Minnesota, Twin Cities Rachel Lawhead

NEW HAMPSHIRE Dartmouth College Michelle Vaccaro Univ. of New Hampshire Madison Jones

OKLAHOMA Oklahoma State Univ.

Taylor Wilson

OREGON

Reed College Gordon Schmidt

PENNSYLVANIA

The Univ. of the Arts Stephanie Bourland Carnegie Mellon Univ.

Karthik Natarajan Drexel Univ.

Kyle Paul Steven Rosen Univ. of Pennsylvania Madeline Dalzell Isabel Zapata Pennsylvania State Univ., Berks College Ethan Lonczak Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park Clayton Downey Lindsey Kircher Evan Rapson Steven Schram Univ. of Pittsburgh Clare Beahn Kyle Cason Stephen Chung SooJi Han Jasmine Issa Susquehanna Univ.

Matthew Lucero Swarthmore College Charles Groppe Caroline Meier Jamie Starr Villanova Univ.

Jacqueline Green

Page design by Andrea Delgado, Mark Mizusawa, Hannah Menchel, Maddy Witchey Special thanks to Dawn Allison

NORTH CAROLINA

Fordham Univ.

Sarah Miller Manhattan School of Music Jennifer Wang New York Univ.

Emma Gold Brian Kim Jennifer Liu Pace Univ.

Lily Spinelli Pratt Institute Elisha Choi Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Shalandra Rivera Rochester Institute of Technology Evan Scholl United States Military Academy Jordan Cole Vassar College Desmond Curran Michaela Gayer

Cape Fear Community College Stefano Proietti Elon Univ.

Jessica Bulford Regan Glembocki Guilford College Michael Kiley Univ. of North Carolina School of the Arts Miranda Creason North Carolina State Univ.

Marzanne DeLapp Pitt Community College Caleb Beatty Wake Forest Univ.

Alexandros Giagtzis

Brown Univ.

Marielle Burt Soobin Wang Johnson & Wales Univ.

Mariel White

TEXAS

Rice Univ.

Morgan Gillis Lauren Yeom Texas Christian Univ.

Logan Legg Trinity Univ.

Frank Minamino

WEST VIRGINIA West Virginia Univ.

Andrew Bone Nora Johnson Michael Southern

SOUTH CAROLINA College of Charleston Elia D’Ermes Jessica Meloy Clemson Univ.

Cameron Kenworthy Univ. of South Carolina Kacey Beckham Michael Haley Gabrielle Wiley

UTAH Brigham Young Univ.

Abigail Clayton Samuel Higbee Genesis Pedraza Univ. of Utah Savanna Hunter Elizabeth Sanders-Smith Utah State Univ.

Zane Mason Utah Valley Univ.

Elizabeth Wilkes

WISCONSIN Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison Michael Buchman Brandt Cole

OHIO

Case Western Reserve Univ.

Margaret Orrell Maxwell Speil Univ. of Cincinatti CollegeConservatory of Music Alexander Stone Miami Univ., Oxford Zachary Heuple Christopher Salazar Univ. of Northwestern Ohio Philip Taylor Ohio Univ.

Kendall Adams Felix De Anda Ohio State Univ.

Alexander Morris The College of Wooster Samuel Delano Yihyun Jung

VERMONT TENNESSEE

Princeton Univ.

Andrea Delgado

NEW YORK

RHODE ISLAND

NEW JERSEY

Vanderbilt Univ.

Joey Yoon

Univ. of Vermont Flannery Mehigan

D.C.

Catholic Univ. of America Alexander Jmean Georgetown Univ.

Aidan Fallon George Washington Univ.

Antonio De Cecco Eugene Sawyer Howard Univ.

Malieka Rehman Kayla Waysome

2015 SENIOR DESTINATIONS

VIRGINIA Bluefield College Christopher Merrill

Christopher Newport Univ.

Matthew Burke Katherine Horenstein Michael Kotapish Michael Massa Matthew Miro Daniel Pollins Jacqueline Rhodes Evan Sims Haynes Stone College of William and Mary Erin Atak Adam Benmhend Andrew Berkin Anna Campion Mia Chand Rebecca Hall Drew Liquerman Nora Logsdon Sri Malapati Hannah Menchel Grace Murray Anwar Radwan Claire Roberts Devika Shankardass Yande Thiaw Zeynep Turk Karen Wu George Mason Univ.

Raniah Al Amili Santiago Alfonzo Meza Tess Bradstock Erin Calpin Allison Chung Michelle Duong Kyle Falicov Habiba Feroze Charles Hartman William Houghton Haseena Khan Erin Martin Joseph Miller

Bella Canovas Gina Choudhary Luke Gagorik Reilly Groll Kaleigh Harris Tristan Hinsley Scott Hopkins Xavier Jaramillo Maximillian Joachim Syed Kamal Andrew Koh Juliani Lee Hampden-Sydney College Andrea Loayza Cury Ryan Waugh Lucas Lotta Juan Martinez Morales Kelyn Martinez James Madison Univ.

Dereck Marwa Shannon Belcher Milad Mazhari Dehkordi Victoria Boinest Claudia Mendoza Jeremy Bravo Narula Joshua Mineros Reyes Adrian Brazell Toan Nguyen Christian Caruso Madison Plummer Becky Chen Griselda Rivera Antoine Edelman Sierra Romero William Gerhardt Jacob Ryan Nicolas Hovanky Eduardo Salazar Giraldo Lauren Jewell David Segura Ruiz Samantha Lai John Short Nicholas Macke Noah Testa Phillip Ohm John Tran Kelly Oler Jeremiah White Griffin Otto Michael Zarpas Alexandre Paulston Thomas Peck Old Dominion Univ.

Sonali Prabhu Andrew Geithman Claudia Reutemann Simon Sutcliffe Sabrina Rozbicki Radford Univ.

Morgan Sadauskas Karla Calcano Jimenez Baburjan Saydahmat Patrick Ludwick Alexa Stieg Nelson Sera Grace Tiernan Amanda Whitfield Shenandoah Univ.

Emily Williams Matthew Stalzer Rachael Wright Richard Bland College Paul Young Calvin Sanford Dawit Thomas NOVA Shadi Alhusary Univ. of Mary Washington Carson Alverson Clark Baranoski Benjamin Atherton Dominique Lavorata Nick Brandon Olivia Lehman Nhi Nguyen Christopher Oakley Theodore Porter Veda Prasad Bianca Rossell Nunez Andrew Ryan Shatha Salameh Christabelle Tan Prayatna Timalsina Grace Venes Nicholas Wentzel

Mark Mizusawa Breccan Thies Nicolette Vallee Gabriel Veloz Mir Univ. of Virginia Rohan Ahluwalia Julia Al-Akkad Chloe Bertholon Korey Blodgett Elizabeth Brown-Kaiser Kelley Carstons Isabel Coughlin Meg Garland Monique Ghazar Meredith Harris Fayez Jabboure Julianna Kang Niel Ketkar Jeffrey Kim Mark Martinkov Katie McGinn Marcela Mollo Claire Mooney Michael Mutersbaugh Matthew Ohlson Apiding Osika Michael Padmanabhan Eliza Price Rebecca Ross Philips Samuel Joseph Suh Eric Tchong Jennifer Tran Andrea Youssef Ashley Youssef Lynn Zhou Univ. of Richmond Roberto Auza VCU Karen Aroche Jimenez Faris Assaadi Marek Bauer Aidan Clotworthy Ana Garvin Abigail Huston Elena Ifarraguerri

OTHER PLANS

Virginia Tech Omar Almousa Christiana Barlow Jessica Brady Sean Bruestle Eleanor Capozzi James Carver Connor Cason Sajanee Chithranjan Alice Choi Alp Corekci Jimmy Cresce Michael Davis Patricia De Guzman Tristan Froats Matthew Grocock Tony Gu Jack Holland Ian Jacobs Leila Kamareddine David Kenworthy Maeghan Klinker John Manon Adair Maynard Christine Nassar Chandler Ott Arjan Peters Owen Pilewski Victoria Poncy Rochelle Sacks Jackson Salopek Jason Sprouls Julia Volkova Kristine Yarnoff Joy Zhang

INTERNATIONAL

Amirreza Karbasi David Li Catherine Nguyen Joshua Nguyen Amanda Pham Danny Rayes Denise Saab Leen Salameh Madison Scharlat Jaclyn Sherman Roz Shrestha Somaty Sin Kerry Smith Maya Srour Zoe Wooldridge

Will attend four year college Zachary Gikakis Eric Johnston Sarah Sinnas Paul Mitchell The School Skylar Lange Marshall Academy Cosmetoloy Program Sydney Studds Employed Christian McCleary Romel Villalta Guzman Gap Year Nadia Karimian (defer VCU) Joel Lopez-Villatoro Dana Mulligan (defer Virginia Tech) Matthew Ruffner (defer Univ. of Wisconsin) Returning as post-grad Dena Hajelsafi United States Air Force Edward Bagapor Alex Shellenbarger United States Coast Guard Ethan Cusey United States Army Min Kim Woodrow Wilson Center Mitchell Lamb Medical school in Bolivia Mariana Argote Stockholm University, Sweden Catalina Bernot Hernandez University of Montreal, Canada Vincent Charette Eloise Larose Paris Sorbonne University-Abu Dhabi, UAE Shari Doiron University in Norway Tor Engelien University of Glasgow, Scotland Donatella Fontana University abroad Rawan Mohammad McGill University, Canada Bijan Sadeghi Reilly West Sheridan College Inst. of Tech & Advanced Learning, Canada Emma Knapp Univ. of Southampton Emma Litster

Super teacher superlatives

Dylan Wedan Class Clown

Ken Kraner Devil’s Advocate

Wayne Smith Most Quotable SENIOR EDITION

Lori Wagoner Wonder Woman

Mike Farmar #1 Fan

Dr. Crissie Ricketts School Momma 13

Seniors 10 years from now

“I hope to be the next Katie Couric or Al Roker reporting live from NYC.” —Lizzy Brown-Kaiser

Where 2015 graduates see themselves in a decade Elena Ifarraguerri & Nhi Nguyen Social Media Manager & Managing Editor

“I hope to be working for Disney Corporation on their advertising team and live in downtown LA in a rad apartment with my adopted rescue dog and possibly be married to a pretty hip guy.”

—Becky Chen

“Unemployed artist in Canada.”

—Santiago Alfonso-Meza

“Playing in the Citi Open with Zach Spahr as my ball boy.”

—Drew Liquerman “I’d like to be practicing medicine and living in New Orleans or Boston and have a dog.”

—Claire Mooney “I’ll be starving through my graphic novel release.”

—Abby Huston

“I see myself married to a rich Korean honey that will take care of me and my two sons named Ruffalo and Soo-Yung Baek.”

—Josh Nguyen

10

“I see myself as the chief officer on a Coast Guard cutter, helping enforce maritime law in the Caribbean.”

—Christine McCulla

“I hope to have a linguistics PhD, practicing fluency in at least four languages, and work in project management for a humanitarian organization.”

—Grace Venes-Escaffi

JUNE

“Hopefully, if all goes to plan, I should be on the path to world domination.

If not that, I hope to be a Manchester United manager. If not that, I would like to see myself in a pretty nice job, living in one of the biggest cities in the world. Little things, really.”

—Rohan Ahluwalia

“I see myself still in DC, but curating exhibits in one of the Smithsonian museums. And if I’m really lucky, spending the winters doing archaeological digs in the Southwest.”

—Rebecca Hall

“I see myself making millions on Wall Street.”

—Matt Burke

“I see myself either on SNL or working for a theatre company and being bitter about not being on SNL.” —Emma Gold

“I hope to be working towards becoming one of National Geographic’s Explorers in Residence and prepping for my next story on sustainable development in Southern Africa or Asia.”

—Isabel Zapata

“I want to be in corporate management, living in the South, married with 10 kids on the way!”

—Ryan Waugh “I hope to be working as a wilderness therapist in Vermont.”

—Flannery Mehigan

“I want to be working as a mental health nurse practitioner, with a degree in physical therapy, who works with wounded veterans.”

—Margaret Orrell

“I plan to own my own low-key company, probably in Atlanta.”

—Rachel West Graphics by Nhi Nguyen Page design by Elena Ifarraguerri & Nhi Nguyen

SENIOR EDITION

11

James Carver — Photography Lord Future Olympian

J

ames Carver is one of the coolest people you could ever meet. I have tremendous admiration for his positivity despite his unfortunate affliction. He must walk carefully indoors, for fear that he may hit his head on the door frame, and he can’t play hide-and-go-seek or physically hide anywhere at all (not successfully at least). He isn’t the most coordinated guy in the world (he broke his knee doing a layup a couple of years ago), and he runs like a two-legged newborn deer on the track. He’s a brilliant photographer, though, especially for sports. This year, he’s been closer to the fields and courts of Fairfax County than he was in four years of playing multiple sports. Though I only pretend to laugh at his terrible jokes, he has still managed to brighten my day time and time again for the five years that I’ve known him. James is a phenomenal photographer, and an even better person. Virginia Tech won’t know what hit them.

- Dereck Marwa

Lisa Bears — Reporter Cutest Laugh

Dereck marwa — Reporter Best Facial Expressions

D

ereck Marwa. You probably don’t know him because he sits in a dark room on his computer all day. You may have seen Dereck in the halls once or twice but you wouldn’t remember his face due to the fact that you were too busy staring at his freakish looking feet—Dereck has some serious pigeon toe, so his feet look like they are broken at the ankle when he walks. I sat next to him all year and, other than the incessant sound of his mouth breathing, he was good company, in a pet fish kind of way—nice to have around but hard to interact with. Still, for a guy who looks like Jay-Z mixed with Napoleon Dynamite, he has some impressive writing skills. And I’m sure his mouth breathing wouldn’t have been as bad if he actually made the soccer team the multiple times he tried out, but at least he had more time to swim around his fish bowl. Just kidding, Dereck’s actually a cool guy. Dude’s my homie.

- James Carver

I

Elena Ifarraguerri — Social Media Manager 90s Fashion Revivalist

8

JUNE

’m pretty sure Lisa is actually a pixie or some other adorable woodland creature that would help out Snow White. She has worked with children at her mom’s daycare for six years (which is super cool), and this summer Lisa is going to be working at a camp for chronically ill children. She likes working with them because they remind her that life is short, and that it’s important to keep your chin up and enjoy life no matter what. Lisa loves horror movies and, like me, they keep her up at night but she watches them anyway. She tells a fantastic scary story and her favorite thing to do is read psychological thrillers while eating sweets.

I’m lucky to have worked with her this year and was able to bond with her over The Blair Witch Project and sugary breakfast cereals. She is an awesome person and has a bright future ahead of her!

- Elena Ifarraguerri

E

lena is probably the sweetest person I have met. She is caring and nurturing. It doesn’t surprise me that she is going to be a nurse-midwife and has already taken classes.

Her amiable and friendly manner makes people feel comfortable. Elena is also an awesome conversationalist.

She gives great advice and has incredible wit. Secretly, she able to sing the songs of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and “The Lonely Island.” She has a wonderful sense of style. I like to describe it as quirky-chic or 90s girl meets classic Hollywood.

Whatever she is wearing, she pulls it off with grace and beauty. Elena is artistic, inspiring and original. She is the definition of a kind person. I will miss seeing her next year, but I know she is going to do great things at VCU. Many years from now, I hope to visit her at her dream bungalow in Austin, Texas.

- Lisa Bears

Andrew Opem — News Editor Silent Genius

A

ndrew Opem is a friendly and fun-loving guy who can bring a smile to even the grouchiest grumblepuss’s face. Quiet as he may be, his enthusiasm speaks volumes, and not just the geometry kind either! If this kicking school was a kicking pool, Andrew’s liquid enthusiasm would fill it a hundred times over.

So, in finishing his senior year as well as his career as news editor here at The Highlander, he has not neglected to edit himself into the hearts of this mini-community we call journalism. When I asked Andrew if he wanted anything in particular to be in this bio, his answer was short, simple and genuine. “Myself,” he said, as he flashed that classic Andrew smile (oh, Andrew). I can only imagine where the roads will take him, although considering he is attending of the University of Southern California next fall, they will probably lead him to Southern California. Goodbye Andrew, and thank you for “Opem-ing” my heart (get it?).

- Mark Mizusawa

Mike Davis — Reporter Low-Key Hottie

M

ichael Scott Davis is a unique character. His love for gaming has always been present. When he is sad and I’m not in the neighborhood, he plays Xbox … but don’t even get me started on Netflix. He has a tendency to boast about his new car even though he has a tendency to crash into his neighbors and walls. However, his greatest attribute is him caring about other people.

He loves his family and his friends, and he has the ability to be there whenever others are in need. Virginia Tech is a great fit for him, and he will emerge from his cocoon and fly like a butterfly, excelling as an athlete and a student.

A lover of basketball, intramural basketball will soon allow him to realize that he is a point guard and he will dominate the league. I love the man to the right of me.

- Evan Rapson

Mark Mizusawa — Design Editor Saltiest

S

ome people call him Mark. Other people call him Mark Mizusawa. Some other people call him M&M (or Eminem). He calls some people dirt. But of course, Mark himself is nothing like dirt. He is the exact opposite of it.

In fact, Mark could probably shape dirt into something so beautiful that no one would have ever known that it was ever dirt except Mark himself. From the tip of his toe to the top of his beanie, Mark has it all. He (his mother) knows how to make delicious snickerdoodles, unparalleled by even the baking of the great Betty Crocker herself. Around the journalism room, Mark is a superstar. His knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, InDesign or any other Adobe product out there encompasses more than the NSA. And no matter what he creates with it, there is a 100 percent chance that it will be at least 78.44 percent better than the average journalism student’s work.

- Andrew Opem

Evan Rapson — Online Sports Editor Nathan Scott Doppelgänger

E

van James Rapson is a geographic nut.

Ask him about any country or state and within seconds he can tell you the hemisphere it’s in and the capital.

Most of Evan’s body and brain power goes into his dedication and appreciation of sports. Evan’s also an unrecognized chef.

Taking after both his mom and his idol, chef Gordon James Ramsay, Evan cooks red meat to a nice, juicy, buttery perfection, but he still can’t flip pancakes. He takes pride in making a meal delicious. Additionally, he doesn’t care for sweets, which goes back to his dedication to sports. The way Evan eats and exercises, he’s nearly game-ready all the time. If there was one word I would use to describe Evan shorthand, it would have to be diligence.

Evan selects what is important to him and chooses to push his energy towards what he loves. I love the man to the left of me.

- Mike Davis Photos by James Carver Page design by Grace Murray & Nhi Nguyen

SENIOR EDITION

9

Maddy Witchey — Managing Editor Best Storyteller

A

talented triple-threat student athlete with an air of confidence and an eye for innovation, Maddy is a leader in the truest sense of the word. Her determined, strong and boundlessly ambitious nature makes it no surprise that Maddy has excelled during her time at McLean. Her successful softball career, beginning at the age of 5, has impressed countless coaches and teammates, earning her the title of team captain of varsity softball. Her love for the sport is visible through one of the top items on her bucket list: to visit all the professional baseball stadiums across the country. Her greatest expertise is in the world of journalism. Her sharp writing skills have earned her great accomplishments in her journalistic career, including an upcoming internship with The Washington Post, shadowing the editor of the metro section. Maddy’s passion for sports often interconnects with her passion for journalism. Anyone who has interacted with Maddy can confidently claim they are more educated on the sport of softball and baseball, in part due to the World Series playing in the background during journalism late nights.

Even a thousand miles away in Florida for a DECA convention, Maddy still managed to check in on the progress of her news story. She plans to study journalism at the University of Georgia, where she will excel in all of her endeavors (e.g., becoming future president of her sorority.) But, it is a truth universally acknowledged that perhaps the best quality in anyone is his or her ability to be a great friend. And Maddy is undoubtedly an incredible friend.

- Julia Al-Akkad

J

Julia Al-Akkad — Managing Editor Biggest Heart

ulia Al-Akkad’s warm heart is evident in both her writing and her presence. We first met freshman year and since then I have had the honor of calling her a close friend. She demonstrates passion and dedication in everything she does, and her unconditional kindness is irreplaceable. Julia began her journalism career as a freshman in Journalism 1. Her first published article was in the 2012 Cub Edition and titled “What are your summer plans?” Since then, Julia has greatly improved her skills and has been awarded with many prestigious journalism awards, including 2014 NSPA Design of the Year. Julia was selected as features editor her junior year and then managing editor her senior year.

Julia’s talents extend outside of the journalism classroom. Julia has a strong drive to help those in need, yet another example of her genuine kindness. She co-founded McLean’s Room to Read chapter, which is a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide universal access to education.

Julia has also participated in several other community service events including Stop Hunger Now and volunteering at DC Central, and she is an active member of the Interact Community Service Club. Julia plans to attend the University of Virginia, where she will study either international relations or global development, and her goal for the future is to secure a job in which she can help to bridge culture gaps. Julia’s compassion and commitment will serve her well in the future, and I cannot wait to see what she will accomplish.

- Maddy Witchey

6

JUNE

Nhi Nguyen — Managing Editor Fashion Maven et’s make this simple. Nhi is amazing. Have you ever met a girl who can get as excited

L

about the Ninja Turtles and The Lord of the Rings as she can about PacSun fashion? She is funny, beautiful, eccentric—the all-around package.

One of her best character traits is her helpfulness. During late nights, the entire Highlander staff is busy with their own article and their own section. It is difficult for most to look beyond their immediate jobs and make the effort to help others.

As a managing editor, Nhi is the one who goes the extra mile to ensure every article is complete. If something is wrong on a page, she is the first to rush over and work out the problem. Even when the page seems to be done, she double-checks and perfects it. Much thought goes into the things Nhi does, and she has an unusual ability to notice what others overlook.

Other than journalism, she is passionate about community service.

Having worked as a chairperson for both McDance-A-Thon and Relay for Life, she has demonstrated her exceptional leadership skills. A committed Girl Scout since the age of 8, she has devoted herself to caring for others and making a difference.

I could continue with descriptions of Nhi’s many other good qualities— her work ethic, her energy and her creativeness to name three. Instead, I would simply like to say how much Nhi has meant to The Highlander staff and me. She is an inspiring journalist and an exceptional friend.

- Katie McGinn

Katie McGinn — Features Editor Most Likely to Brighten Your Day

T

here has never been a day when I’ve seen Katie McGinn not smiling. We shared seventh period together, and her sunny attitude was always something I looked forward to after a long, grueling day of classes.

I don’t understand how she does it, but her gusto and exuberance persist to even the last minute before the school bell rings. Even though she joined journalism a little later than others, class would certainly feel very off without her presence in it.

I have honestly never met somebody as genuine as Katie.

She is incredibly humble and quick to give praises, and she sees the absolute best in people. She always gets giddy about learning of the various talents of the McLean students and goes above and beyond in perfecting articles. Katie is not only highly valued as a superb editor, but also as a dear friend.

- Nhi Nguyen

Jennifer Wang — Reporter Most Artistic

I

n journalism, I have always admired Jennifer’s coverage of the diverse cultural aspect of students at McLean. Articles about anime conventions or Chinese dance troupes are always so cool to read. But something that should definitely be known of Jennifer is her exceptional musical talent. Attending Manhattan School of Music Precollege in New York City, she has been playing piano for over nine years, winning many awards and scholarships, as well as performing at several famous venues. If I tried to list them all here, they would fill up the whole page, but to name some, she has received the Constance Keene Precollege Scholarship, Levine Stars of Tomorrow Scholarship and Honors Scholarship, she became a semi-finalist of the Kaufman International Piano Competition and has performed at the Kennedy Center, DiCapo Opera Theater and the Kimmel Center. There is no doubt that Jennifer will continue to excel as she goes to the Manhattan School of Music this fall.

- Nhi Nguyen Photos by James Carver Page design by Grace Murray & Nhi Nguyen

SENIOR EDITION

7

The Highlander senior staff members Hannah Menchel — Editor-in-Chief needs someone like Hannah Menchel in their life. I don’t know how Most Likely to be President Everybody she does it, but Hannah is always put together, confident and compassionate.

Her relaxed, calm attitude makes people instantly warm up to her. She is especially driven and focused—she can complete any given task with time to spare and make it look easy too. Hannah can also solve any problem that is thrown her way. I have seen her work tirelessly to fix issues that pop up both in and out of the journalism room.

She is a dedicated leader and talented writer who helps The Highlander improve with every insightful edit she makes. She is extremely intelligent, creative and accomplished—I would not be surprised at all if she becomes president one day.

Hannah is also an incredibly amazing friend. A never-ending source of positivity and support, Hannah has constantly pushed me to be a better person. At the same time, she knows not to take things too seriously.

When the bridge we built for our 10th grade science project fell apart after holding only 10 pounds, Hannah simply laughed it off and said, “Maybe this means we shouldn’t be engineers.” She is the perfect mix of sweet and sassy, ready with either reassuring words of encouragement during tough moments or a plethora of witty remarks during boring classes. Her optimism is infectious and capable of brightening up even the cloudiest of days. I know I can count on Hannah to send me funny Buzzfeed articles, feed my candy addiction and sing along with me in the car to the cheesiest songs.

Next fall, Hannah will be attending the College of William and Mary. I’m still not quite sure how I’m supposed to survive without her (halp me pls), but I do know that I am extremely lucky to have had her by my side for the past four years.

- Andrea Delgado

A

Andrea Delgado — Editor-in-Chief M S Procrastinator

ndrea Delgado is a debate champion, a Photoshop whiz, a future Princeton student and a master procrastinator. She is ost uccessful an amazing editor, a food enthusiast, a Netflix binge-watcher and an avid napper. She is dedicated, amazing, hilarious, sassy and just a tad rebellious. She is fearless, unafraid to be exactly who she is and not scared to take a risk. She is insanely hard-working, thoughtful, kind and a total perfectionist—if something isn’t exactly right, Andrea will spend hours tweaking it until it’s the way that she wants it. But most importantly of all (at least to me), Andrea is someone that I am so lucky to be able to call my friend.

When I first met Andrea four years ago, I had no idea how much of an impact she would have on my life, and could not even begin to imagine that she would become one of the best and most important friends that I have ever had. I have had so many good memories and times with her—all those times when we silently judged other people in the hallway together, when we shared some insanely good food, when we laughed our heads off for no apparent reason and when we whispered throughout class, unable to resist sharing some joke or funny remark that had just popped into our heads.

Andrea is the best type of friend—the one who never judges you, always has your back and believes in you so much that you can’t help believing in yourself.

Andrea and I are very different, but we totally understand each other, and she has been a large part in all the amazing times I have had throughout my high school career.

Andrea, I can’t begin to describe how much I will miss you next year, but I can tell you how immensely proud I am of you and all that you have accomplished.

- Hannah Menchel

4

JUNE

Grace Murray — Editor-in-Chief hen I walked into the journalism room on my first Wednesday of my freshman year, Most Supportive Friend

W

I had no idea I would not only find a subject I was passionate about, but I’d meet one of my best friends— someone I have the utmost respect for. It is going to be extremely difficult to sum up Grace Murray in under 300 words; however, there is nobody else I would rather write about in my last article for The Highlander. Grace has been a part of journalism since her freshman year and has excelled from the start.

We wrote our first article together, giggling through the hallways as we interviewed students and teachers about Valentine’s Day. After being one of the first freshmen published in 2011, she went on to become news editor her sophomore year, then editor-in-chief both junior and senior years. The work ethic and enthusiasm Grace brings to everything she does is one of many traits that set her apart from everyone else. Her ability to motivate people to work hard, her humbleness and her genuine compassion for the wellbeing of others is what makes her stand out as a leader. Her leadership is evident through more than just journalism; she is the executive director for Relay for Life, an exec in McLeadership and the treasurer for the National Honor Society. To top it off, this year she received the Extraordinary Teen award from Arlington Magazine.

I’ve met some incredible people at McLean, but from our late night shenanigans to co-writing three articles, Grace, I can’t imagine high school without you. I am going to miss you like crazy next year, but William & Mary is getting the best of the best, and when you make your mark, the world won’t know what hit it. Here’s to a fantastic four years and many more to come!

- Jessica Bulford

Connor Koch — Reporter Most Opinionated

C

onnor Koch has been an influential member of The Highlander. Since his arrival on staff, his perfect attendance and active class participation have placed him in a pivotal role on the staff. When he’s not writing, Connor occasionally chooses to spend his time “crew-ing.” His determination and incredibly high self-expectations are evident in his constant training and position as captain of the men’s varsity crew team. As a member of the lightweight varsity 8, he is expected to be in the best possible physical shape for the majority of the year. Some men would shake in fear of the idea of cutting weight constantly— Connor simply laughs. Crew is placed before friends, relaxation and frequently his sanity. Additionally, Connor is an aficionado of all 90s grunge music—Kurt Cobain would be impressed by his extensive knowledge. Connor, it has been an honor getting to know a pterodactyl as mighty as yourself. Scraw.

- Grace Murray

Jessica Bulford — Sports Editor Best to Bring Home to Mom

J

essie Bulford and I have been in journalism together since freshman year, and it is impossible to comprehend that our time together is coming to an end. I count myself lucky to have gotten to know such a beautiful, beloved and extraordinary member of the McLean community. Jessie has been an incredible editor—giving days of her time and patience to creating the best sports section The Highlander has ever seen. Jessie has played lacrosse and field hockey throughout high school and has excelled as a student as well, receiving a nomination for the FCPS Female Sports Writer of the Year award as a sophomore. In addition to being a tireless worker and athlete, Jessie is an irreplaceable friend. When she walks into the journalism room, everyone lights up. She brings charm, kindness and endless affectionate mockery.

There is no one I would rather have by my side, regardless of whether we’re crying or laughing.

The Highlander and I would not be where we are today without her.

- Grace Murray Photos by James Carver Page design by Grace Murray & Nhi Nguyen

SENIOR EDITION

5

Antonin Scalia to speak at graduation ceremony Supreme Court justice will deliver Dereck Marwa Reporter

O

n June 16, the graduating class of 2015 will have the privilege of hearing Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia deliver the commencement speech at their graduation ceremony. Appointed to the Court in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, Scalia is the longest serving justice currently on the Court. Frequently in the public eye for his blunt, colorful and witty opinions on controversial issues and his aggressive demeanor on the bench, Scalia has established himself as one of the most prominent and brilliant legal minds in the country. His large catalog of dissenting opinions on the court have also made him stand out as a very strong, distinctive personality on the Court.

“In life, you sometimes have to take a controversial stance on some issues, and being a Supreme Court justice, you’re bound to get criticism from all sides no matter what choice you make,” senior class council member Rohan Ahluwalia said.

“The important thing is that you have to be able to stand by your decision no matter what happens, and that’s what I feel Justice Antonin Scalia brings to the table.”

Scalia has also been known for his skill at picking apart arguments both verbally and through the written word with his signature sharp, aggressive style. His acute sense of humor, along with his experience in a very influential, high-pressure occupation will

“Having

such an impressive figure as your graduation speaker is going to be a highly memorable experience.”

-senior class sponsor Tara Dwyer allow him to bring a unique perspective to the commencement proceedings.

“As a Supreme Court justice, he has to make a lot of serious decisions,”

Ahluwalia said.

“He’s making decisions for an entire nation; that’s about 300 million people.

You have to make strong, assertive decisions, and I feel that’s an important thing that we could learn [from him]. We have to be strong in our own convictions but still willing to hear the other side.”

The senior class officers, along with class sponsors Tara Dwyer and Greg Perez, invited Scalia after a thorough selection process.

“We had Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia will speak at lengthy graduation on June 16. (Photo obtained from justice.gov) discussions with the senior class about options for speakers and we “[When I found out that he was going felt that Justice Scalia was, by far, the most to deliver the commencement address], I prestigious of those that we could invite was very excited because not everyone gets to speak,” Dwyer said. “Justice Scalia’s to have a Supreme Court justice speak at granddaughter [Grace Murray] is a senior their graduation,” senior Michelle Vaccaro at McLean this year, and we thought that said. “I hope to hear some unconventional he would be very interested in addressing advice and something inspiring. I think his the senior class that his granddaughter is a speech could inspire the senior class to be part of, so we had our senior class officers good citizens and pursue their passions.” write him a letter and he was. Having such At DAR Constitution Hall on June 16, an impressive figure as your graduation as the senior class passes from one phase of speaker is going to be a highly memorable life to another, their passage will be marked experience.” by the words of one of the most influential There is no doubt that, no matter their figures in the nation. It is certain that the opinion of his image, members of the experience will be a special one for them. class of 2015 are buzzing with excitement and interest regarding this unique opportunity.

Page design by Dereck Marwa

SENIOR EDITION

3

Dear Highlanders, We, the senior staff of The Highlander, would like to thank you for allowing us to have the honor of reporting your stories for the past four years.

Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia will be the graduation speaker this June. Check out the article on page 3 to learn more.

The highly anticipated college map is included on pages 14-17. Included is a list of schools members of the Class of 2015 will be attending in the fall.

highlander

the

Letter from the Editors

Volume LIX • Issue 7 • June 2015 • McLean High School thehighlandernews.com • @MHSHighlander

Editors-in-Chief

Andrea Delgado & Hannah Menchel & Grace Murray Julia Al-Akkad & Nhi Nguyen & Maddy Witchey

Managing Editors Design Editor Editor of Photography

Mark Mizusawa James Carver

Section Editors News Editor

Andrew Opem

Features Editor Sports Editor

Jessica Bulford

Katie McGinn

Reporters Lisa Bears Michael Davis Elena Ifarraguerri Connor Koch Dereck Marwa Evan Rapson Jennifer Wang

Senior transformations, teacher superlatives and college tips for rising underclassmen are some of the creative articles that can also be found in this issue.

Thank you, again, for all of your time, interviews and feedback. We have cherished the chance to write for The Highlander, and know that the newsmagazine is being left in capable hands for the future. Please enjoy this special edition—we definitely enjoyed making it.

CORRECTION: In “Standing up to cancer,” the in-depth article of the May 2015 issue of The Highlander, we incorrectly identified Andrew Katson’s disease. He actually had Ewing’s Sarcoma.

We deeply regret the error.

Love, The Class of 2015 Senior Staff

Adviser

To celebrate our last Letter from the Editor, we smashed cake in one another’s faces. There really wasn’t very much logic to it, but we had a pretty sweet time.

— Hannah, Grace & Andrea

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

The Highlander is a public forum in which members of the school community can express themselves, discuss issues and exchange ideas. Printed by aPrintis.

Advertising Policy: The Highlander sells ad space on each page of the paper except on the front cover, Opinions section and InDepth report. The staff reserves the right to reject any ads it deems libelous, obscene, disruptive or otherwise inappropriate.

To Submit a Letter to the Editors: Please e-mail it to thehighlanderstaff@gmail.com or bring it to room R133.

The staff reserves the right to edit letters for grammar and clarity, and all letters are subject to laws concerning obscenity, libel, privacy and disruption of the school process.

‘12, ‘13, ‘14 NSPA First Class; ‘07 All-American; ‘06 Pacemaker Finalist; Hall of Fame

Cover photo by Hannah Menchel

Lindsay B. Benedict

‘05, ‘07, ‘12, ‘13, ‘14 CSPA Gold Medalist; ‘08 Silver Medalist

‘14 George H. Gallup Award

‘14 VHSL Trophy Class; ‘11, ‘12 1st Place Winner; VHSL Savedge Award

CONTENTS

14-17

23

28-29

SENIOR EDITION College map

25

Advice to underclassmen

18

Seniors take gap years

26

Graduation cap decorations

19

Retiring teachers

27

College tips

in 10 years

21

Senior transformations

Teacher superlatives

23

Class of 2015 picture collage

Scalia 3 Justice to speak at graduation

4-9

Highlander senior staff bios Where seniors

10-11 see themselves 13

14-17

28-29

Athlete commits

ni or Ed iti on Se

the

highlander Volume LIX • Issue 7 • June 2015 • McLean High School thehighlandernews.com • @MHSHighlander